An additional US$10 million will be expended on phase two of the Georgetown solid waste management project, a collaborative effort of the government and the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB).
The parties signed an agreement in 2007, which was estimated at more than US$18 million. This year, government plans to expend at least G$732 million to satisfy six of the components of the solid waste project.
Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud has expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of phase one of the regional waste management project.
“We are of the view that we have satisfied component one of the project, this being the institutionalising and capacity-building component of the project,” he said. The next step, he said, is to impart the knowledge and expertise shared while focusing on sustaining those interventions.
Public awareness
“The second component that we will seek to satisfy this year is one with regards to our public awareness, we are anticipating to expend G$40 million this year and we have contracted the Guyenterprise to help us achieve two very important objectives of this project,” he said.
The entity will work along with the ministry to ensure that every citizen within the boundaries of the 15 neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) and Georgetown understands that solid waste management plays an integral part in ensuring a healthy environment and by extension, a healthy nation.
Guyenterprise will also work towards making persons aware of the implementation of the solid waste taxes, as the initiative will soon
be fully instituted and every household is expected to pay a fee of $1000 or $1200 every month.
Adequate mechanisms
This is to ensure that there are adequate mechanisms for solid waste disposal. The ministry would be required to provide certain basic paraphernalia which will enhance the electronic recordkeeping systems within the NCDs and Georgetown.
Further, some $300 million will be used to complete works at the Haags Bosch landfill site this year, the minister said, while $20 million will be spent to procure and distribute 841 solid water receptacles across the regions.
“We will be providing two additional trucks to the tune of G$50 million to remove huge garbage receptacles and take them to the landfill sites… these receptacles that we will be using will be large and will not be able to be removed without machinery,” Persaud noted.
Another $30 million will be used to construct a dropoff centre, where persons who missed the contracted garbage collecting service could properly dispose their waste.
To assist with the management of this new facility, the ministry will be purchasing a hooklift truck to the tune of $15 million, while $20 million will be used to close down temporary landfill sites around the country, including those on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara. An additional $20 million will be used for the construction of the hazardous waste management facility.
Unexpected delays
Turning his attention to the regional solid waste disposal initiative the minister said the ministry has experienced a number of unexpected delays, as it had intended to complete the regional landfill sites by the first quarter of 2013.
“At the level of the regions, having gotten this far, we have encountered teething problems which were anticipated, as in the commencement of every new initiative, there are the growing pains…,” Persaud admitted.
He cited the process of obtaining the Guyana Revenue Authority’s approval and contractors not being able to present their proper documentation and project profiles, as some of the factors contributing to the tardiness of the project.
The minister, however, stressed that all the contractors have given their full commitment to ensuring that the landfill sites are operational sooner than later.
The Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme attempts to provide a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the solid waste management problem that meets international standards and includes a cost-recovery mechanism.
Under phase one, institutional strengthening activities carried out included the provision of consulting servic-
es to the project executing unit within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry. The objective is to improve the unit’s capacity for supervision and management; accounting and budgeting; stakeholder consultation and participation; updating landfill operation and management manuals; coordinating with other institutions; and updating cadastre, property valuation, and property tax collection systems.
The NDCs were also trained in data collection, costing for sustainability, and cost recovery.
The programme will utilise private operators that will collect waste from participating NDCs and deliver it at the Haags Bosch landfill, as well as clean and close seven existing dumpsites.
The project also includes an informal recycler upgrading plan. The goal of the plan is to restore the incomes of all recyclers affected by the closure of the Le Repentir disposal site to levels equal or superior to what obtained prior to the closure, while at the same time improving their living and working conditions.
The supplementary financing for the programme, approved in 2010, is covering cost overruns, specifically for completion of the Haags Bosch landfill, which is being carried out with the participation of a specialised private sector operator.
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is providing support to Guyana’s solid waste activities through training and capacity building.
PAHO prepared a solid waste sector study defining the problems and an action plan to implement solutions; that study included the present programme.
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com
The 66th session of the World Health Assembly is currently taking place in Geneva. The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is attended by delegations from all WHO member states. The forum focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the executive board.
At the meeting, stakeholders will be considering three draft global action plans, for non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. All three plans call for a life-course approach, aim to achieve equity through universal health coverage, and stress the importance of prevention. And they all place major emphasis on the benefits of integrated service delivery.
In addition to that, what would surely take centre stage is the debate on the place of health in the post-2015 development agenda. Among other key figures, Director General of the WHO, Dr Margret Chan has already made a passionate call for leaders to ensure that health occupies a high place on the new development agenda.
According to Dr Chan, today’s health challenges are vastly different from those faced in the year 2000, when the Millennium Declaration was signed. Efforts to safeguard public health face opposition from a different set of extremely powerful forces. Many of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases are amplified by the products and practices of large and economically powerful forces. Market power readily translates into political power. This power seldom impeded efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Dr Chan’s view is that large numbers of people are living on the edge, fearing for their lives. Insecurity and conflict mar several parts of the world, endangering the health of large populations. In these troubled times, public health looks more and more like a refuge, a safe harbour of hope that allows and inspires all countries to work together for the good of humanity.
Promoting and protecting better health is essential to human welfare and sustained economic and social development. Not surprisingly, in some countries citizens rate health as one of their highest priorities, only behind economic concerns, such as unemployment, low wages and a high cost of living. As a result, health frequently becomes a political issue as governments try to meet citizens’ expectations.
For this reason, there is need for urgent policy decisions to be taken on health-related matters as health contributes to and benefits from sustainable development, and is a measurable indicator of the success of all other development policies. Investing in the health of people is a smart strategy for poverty alleviation. This calls for inclusion of non-communicable diseases and for continued efforts to reach the health-related MDGs after 2015.
That being said, we should note that efforts to reach the health-related MDGs have accelerated during these last few months. This is especially true for women’s and children’s health. Additionally, the World Health Statistics report, issued recently, brings some extremely good news. The past two decades have seen dramatic improvements in health in the world’s poorest countries.
Here in Guyana, we are pleased that the Health Ministry has completed a major part of the drafting of a new 2013-2020 health strategy entitled, “Health Vision 2020”. The new plan envisions Guyanese as the healthiest people in the Caribbean and Latin America. From all indications, the ministry has already taken some key steps in ensuring the strategy benefits from the contribution of every key stakeholder in the country.
Importantly, the plan brings into focus the achievement of the MDGs by 2015. The authorities have made it known that Health Vision 2020 will be a road map that will provide strategic direction in the delivery of health services. The strategy targets increasing life expectancy for both men and women to more than 70 years; decreasing maternal mortality to below 80 per 100,000 live births; decreasing infant and child mortality to less than 14 and 16 per 10,000 live births; decreasing by 25 per cent the mortality of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and lung disease; reducing by 25 per cent the impact of smoking, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet; and reducing the risk and decreasing the incidence and prevalence of communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
While there is still a far way to go, Guyana has indeed achieved much in terms of providing quality health care for its citizens since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration took the reins of power in 1992, and kudos must be given to the government and other health authorities working in Guyana for the progress made thus far.
Dear Editor,
The police now have more vehicles at its disposal but with these vehicles come greater expectation and responsibility. Most of the vehicles at any given police station are in a working state but very unsightly – missing lights and bent up bodies, among other things. These vehicles are not old, yet they are so terribly mashed up. If government is going to invest in the police, then there must be a high level of accountability when it comes to actual resources, especially where vehicles are concerned.
I am sure that some kind of feasibility study was done, regarding distance travelled and gas consumption. If not, these vehicles can be used for personal reasons and no one will know. Already, the complaints are many that suggest that there is great irresponsibility in terms of the police and how they respond when called to show up at a scene. The response is typical: “The patrol is on the road and will be there.”
Sometimes it is: “If you can
send a taxi, we will come.” This must stop.
The suspicion is that many officers with access to the station vehicles are simply using the vehicles for their personal errands and visits to selected people. This kind of problem is almost unique to Guyana. For example, Canadian and U.S. police officers have their personal vehicles. So the state ones are used specifically for job-related purposes. In Guyana, many police officers do not have their own, so the ones at the various stations present opportunities for them to dabble. This must stop. Since the government
is striving at all times to find the resources to equip the police force and other law enforcement agencies with assets that make them mobile, there must be a concerted effort to turn the crime situation totally around. I say the same for the traffic department as well, when it comes to what is obtaining on the roads. At nights and on weekends, I hardly notice the presence of police officers. I am scared many times to walk home after work when it is late. There are too many suspicious characters on the streets. There should be more raids on late night ‘limers’. This
will be a good way to utilise these vehicles. Also, when police patrols are unpredictable, potential trouble makers get nervous and behave better. I have noticed a decline in street gambling when the gang members are always on the lookout for the police.
I close by asking for the reform, promised by the subject minister, to continue to take shape. At first it will take some doing and visible changes may not be evident. Eventually though, one would hope that there will be a turn around.
Yours respectfully, Rohan Mahase
Dear Editor, There has been an increase in accidents from 2012 compared with 2013. To date, 41 accidents have occurred resulting in 44 deaths as compared with 31 accidents resulting in 33 deaths for last year.
The traffic chief is making a claim that much more has to be done on the part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in limiting road accidents in the country. He stated also that people have a vital part to play in decreasing mishaps.
I fully agree and I see no kind of profundity here. What to me is essential is that the law be enforced indiscriminately.
The traffic chief believes that the introduction of electronics where drivers’ licences are concerned will aid significantly in curbing traffic accidents.
He is of the view that this will ensure legitimate licensed drivers are on the roadways.
But I want to know
how. I think that we are missing a point about falsified documents. The documents are not falsified. They are bona fide ones. It is the way that they are being obtained that has been compromised. It is like buying a genuine academic certificate. The holder maybe a dunce, just like a licensed driver may be incompetent. The fact remains that both parties have legitimate documents. What do we say to this? Will this be precluded when the new system for obtaining a drivers’ permit takes effect? I doubt it.
This is so because corruption only comes to the fore when someone gets a bad deal. Otherwise the practice is mutually engaged in and for mutual benefits – the rich party gets his/her way and the colluding officer makes a raise. A few of the non-involved will complain, but this will never create a stir of any sort.
Dear Editor,
Although the price remains the same on the Venezuelan market for rice and paddy, I am very optimistic that farmers will not be paid the same prices by millers as the last crop for the paddy already purchased.
A transparent and efficient regulatory system is essential to ensuring that the rice farmers receive the same price of $4000. These farmers will need support from the Agriculture Ministry, the Guyana Rice Development Board ( GRDB) and the Guyana Rice Producer’s Association (RPA) at the outset, including representation to recover this money.
Small-scale farmers rarely benefit when there is an increase in price for rice on the international market after their produce is sold. The arrangement does not allow paddy farmers to share the benefits equitably with millers in return for their contribution of high quality seeds and paddy.
The erratic system by the GRDB has failed to put in place an efficient regu -
latory scheme for millers who frequently exploited the farmers in the past by ensuring scarce supply and charging high prices for rice on the markets.
Government’s aim is to preserve the Venezuelan market and empower the farmers to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security through good relations among all stakeholders. The Agriculture Ministry and the GRDB must discourage the millers from using poor or outdated grading systems and quality control management which might contaminate our markets.
An annual event should be organised by the GRDB and the Agriculture Ministry, and they should invite all farmers and millers in each rice growing region. Ideas can then be shared – example, a seed fair, held before each planting season. The event should be to present new seeds from the research station and farmers’ own sources and to explain how to cultivate the crops.
Yours faithfully, Mohamed
Khan
The next thing is if we are sure that these accidents are caused by drivers who got their licences via foul means. Is there a way to check this out? Remember the documents are authentic, and if honesty prevails, then corrupt holders of these licences will tell the truth, and then we can deduce some facts and make our analysis.
For now, I say that the driving laws must be pressed home, and forget about legitimacy of licences until the new measures kick in and honest people surface. When accidents are taking place, we should go with what there is to investigate, and then severely penalise people for whatever infraction they are involved in. I think that this will help.
Yours sincerely,
Gladstone Harewood
Dear Editor,
Are we still making requests begging that roadside vending come to an end? I think the time has long gone for this pleading for people to abide with the laws of the land. Roadside vending is way off limits. It pains me that councillors of the Anna Regina Interim Management Committee (IMC) have declared that illegal vending on the roadside, leading to the Anna Regina Market, will not be tolerated.
This issue has been with us for too long. It is time to stop talking and start acting, that is, simply enforce the law. These stubborn vendors know the laws, and they have had ample warnings. So why the dilly-dallying from the authorities?
I think of the shoulders of the road and its purpose.
This space is and never was intended for vendors to display their items and ply their trade. By engaging in vending on the shoulder, the aesthetics of the place is compromised, and more so, the safety of vehicular traffic is jeopardised.
Too many times, I was almost brushed by moving vehicles of all sorts. On one occasion, a fight almost broke out as a passer-by, seeking refuge from a moving van, stepped unto some items from a vendor. I remember, on another instance, I had to sit in a car and wait for the transaction of a sale to be completed before moving off. Now the other side of the
matter is equally important. It is that there must be provision for these legitimate vendors. Many of them are very hard-working, and they sometimes do most of their business in a day or two. It means that a proper place must be provided in terms of comfort, safety, and general well-being.
Guyana has changed and is changing. We cannot be stuck in our old ways. Businesses are getting bigger by the day, and vehicular traffic is already encroaching on us. We need law and order.
Yours truly,
Jasmine Gittens
Becoming a grandparent is an important step in adult life.
For many people it is a joyful one, opening up possibilities for the grandparents themselves, for the grandchildren and for the parents. Grandchildren provide a new focus for family relationships and can rekindle the kind of intimacy that might have got lost along the way –enriching lives across three generations.
Relationships beyond the immediate family (mother, father, sisters and brothers) can make a positive contribution to children’s emotional development and sense of themselves. An independent and developing relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is invaluable for everybody.
This article will explore the ways that grandparents in all kinds of families can make a difference to children’s lives and what a ‘grandparental’ relationship means.
No single type of family dictates which relationships within it are important for children. A number of people may take a personal interest in a particular child and share a concern for them.
In today’s multicultural Britain, children grow up within an enormously varied range of family situations. Some children live as part of an extended family of grandparents, aunts and uncles. In many communities this is the normal pattern of family life.
Although children of parents who divorce and remarry may lose contact with ‘blood’ grandparents, they often have relationships with an extended family of step-brothers and sisters, step-parents and stepgrandparents.
In some families – especially if the grandparents are no longer alive or are not in close contact – an uncle or aunt, godparent or friend may take on a ‘grandparental’ role.
An innovative scheme in South London provides local families with
‘surrogate’ grandparents who share the ethnic background of absent grandparents. Young and old alike have benefited. Children have been able to experience the care and interest of a grandparent and to find out more about their own cultural roots. Children can build on their own sense of identity – which is an important aspect of self-esteem – in this way.
Like significant rites of pas-
ests and hobbies, education and popular music.
The positive sides of the experience can be very far-reaching. Having grandchildren can give grandparents a sense of continuity and reassurance that life goes on. Their life can have added meaning and purpose, giving them a renewed confidence in their usefulness and value.
sage at every stage of life – starting school, leaving home, becoming a parent – becoming a grandparent presents an exciting opportunity to grow and change, and to experience a very special relationship. Many grandparents describe the sheer pleasure of spending time with their grandchildren without being burdened by the responsibilities of being a parent.
Many of today’s grandparents are young and have active working and social lives of their own.
Nevertheless, becoming a grandparent provides a direct link to a whole new world and the opportunity to stay in touch with another generation and new ideas. Grandparents can find out at first hand about current childcare methods, new toys and games, books, children’s inter-
Perhaps the most important part of being a grandparent is having a second chance. Through the relationship with their grandchildren, grandparents can try and do better some of the things they felt less happy about as parents. And they can do again, or strengthen, what went well the first time round.
Not only can they form new relationships with their grandchildren, they can also repair and rework the old ones – with their children.
* A grandfather may now have a go at being a ‘new man’, with a hands-on experience of looking after little children. This may not have been possible when he was a busy young father, nor have been socially or culturally acceptable at that time.
* A grandmother may be aware
of how her over-involvement with her daughter caused difficulties, but now has a chance to have a more separate relationship with her granddaughter.
Almost all grandparents are in contact with their grandchildren. But, whatever the overall trend, there cannot be any hard and fast rules. Where there has been a separation or divorce within the family, grandparents may lose touch or be prevented from having contact with their own grandchildren. At the same time, they may find that they acquire some unfamiliar stepgrandchildren.
Attitudes towards the older generation
In many communities that originate in other parts of the world, older people are revered and seen as an asset, passing on and helping to reinforce a child’s cultural heritage. For some families now living in Britain, the pressures to adapt to a new society and abandon the old ways may make it hard to hang on to this tradition.
With the rise of grandparents as a social force, a new campaigning and lobbying organisation has been formed. Its aim is to achieve fuller recognition of the social and psychological value of what grandparents do. They recognise that the voice of older people has not yet been heard.
What grandparents contribute Grandmothers are an important source of daycare for young children today. A grandmother may, for example, take responsibility for childcare on two days a week, allowing her daughter or daughter-in-law to go out to work part-time. Other grandparents may have the grandchildren to stay overnight or for a weekend every now and then, giving parents the opportunity for a muchneeded break and a chance to focus on their relationship with one another. (www.understandingchildhood.net)
TO BE CONTINUED
An addition to your care giving team: your parent’s grandchildren
BY LEONARD J HANSEN
One of the most remarkable and enduring human relationships in our society is between grandparents and their grandchildren.
The children are the living extension of the elder’s life, and so the grandparent wants time and sharing with the child at whatever age. The grandchild needs Grandma’s or Grandpa’s love, caring and sharing.
Your children, at whatever age, may be the most important addition to your care giving team. Rather than pushing them aside because you must devote your full time to care giving, bring them into a vital role. Otherwise, they will miss out on sharing, hugging and learning from the elder who really needs them.
Roles and needs
If anything erodes the life of a mature adult it is losing mission, important things to do today and into the future. Without worthwhile, purposeful things to do, the mature adult, your aging parent, may disappear into a today and tomorrow of nothingness.
Grandchildren need recognition through all their years, and particularly through tween and teen years.
Unlike children in Western Europe who learn their family history back to 400 years, most children in this country know little about their lineage, family history or the challenges through history, such as World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam or even the economic volatility of past years. The country of yesteryear is not the country of today.
Grandchildren, if asking the right questions today, can really learn from their grandparents. Grandparents, if asking the right questions today, can learn from their grandchildren.
Therefore, getting your children actively involved in your care giving programme may be the best thing that can happen to the entire family. (www.agingcare.com)
friday, may 24, 2013
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said for the country to progress further, Guyanese need to overcome some of the differences which exist among them.
“We must know when to quarrel, we must know when to stop quarrelling and when to put our interest above everything else… when we quarrel and we can’t get on with our business, then we will lose in the wider scope of things,” he declared at the Annual Independence Exhibition hosted by the National Archives and the Guyana National Museum to commemorate Guyana’s independence anniversary.
Though Dr Anthony is cognisant that citizens will have their differences, he noted that persons must know when to set them aside
so that the country can progress. He stated that as Guyana celebrates its 47th independence anniversary, Guyanese need to draw lessons from their ancestors.
“Our forefathers did not fight and sacrifice, because they wanted to see us fall as a nation, they did so because they wanted to see us grow and develop.”
The minister posited that Guyana’s ancestors had an array of dreams for their offspring which have not yet been fulfilled hence the nation was obliged to work towards accomplishing those dreams.
Moray House Board of Directors Chairperson Vanda Radzick said Guyanese must get into gear and unite as one people to heal the divides, to jump over and cross bridges to find the path to reconcili-
ation. “You cannot have reconciliation in a broken nation like ours and several others unless you bring to it the qualities of truth, justice, mercy, and peace.”
The Independence Day exhibition is being held under the theme “Guyanese Womanhood and the Struggle for Development”. The exhibition recognises the contributions of Guyanese women pre and post independence.
It highlights the role of women in the sugar industry and trade unions, focusing on their economic contribution. It also celebrates the female members of parliament beginning with the three Js – Janet Jagan, Jessie Burnham and Jane Phillip-Gray – who paved the way for present-day female MPs. The exhibition runs until June 8.
AJamaican-American, Hettie Powell is seeking the support of Guyanese-Americans in the Richmond Hill community to help her get elected to the city council.
Powell addressed a greater Richmond Hill gathering last Wednesday evening at a forum hosted by the Richmond Hill Democratic Club, comprising of Guyanese, to seek support for her candidacy for the City Council seat of District 28. The area includes Richmond Hill, South Ozone, Jamaica and Rochdale where tens of thousands of Guyanese are settled.
The event for the Richmond Hill Democratic Club was organised by Attorney Kawal Totaram and a host of other community leaders. Powell is originally from Jamaica where she served as a teacher and an activist before migrating to the U.S. She told the gathering she is very familiar with District 28, having lived there for 31 years. She said she has been a community activist in the district for the last 30 years.
Powell believes she is the best candidate to repre-
sent the district because of her work experience helping people and volunteering at community events. She said she has worked with different groups of people and pointed out that “her background and experience make her the ideal choice because District 28 is very diversified with many different communities”.
She said Richmond Hill has been a neglected community and needs a louder voice and proper representation to get things done, and if elected, “Richmond Hill will get an equal share of resources”.
Powell stated that she will focus on issues impacting the district and public education is among her top priorities. She noted that the district has overcrowded schools and a lack of resources. Powell also feels the district needs affordable housing and supports the idea of homeowners being allowed to refurbish their basements. She said the city needs to end the fines on housing violations and allow people time to get into compliance.
According to Powell, the fines for housing violations are excessive and drive people out of the community.
Powell said businesses are facing unnecessary fines and the city needs to give tax breaks instead of fining businesses and homeowners. The District 28 candidate said she wants safe streets, community centres and economic development programmes for the district and promised to advocate for youth programmes and to be the voice for the area.
Powell said she brings integrity, honesty, transparency and professionalism to her candidacy, having been a lawyer for 22 years. “I went to law school with several members of the community,” she said. She described herself as having a strong work ethic and said she will set up a satellite office in Richmond Hill if elected.
Totaram thanked Powell for coming to the Richmond Hill Club and Powell could be a substitute for those who failed to deliver to the community.
The primary election is on September 10. Several members of the audience said Powell has impressive credentials and appears to be a genuine candidate. Many said they plan to back her candidacy.
The National Assembly on Wednesday adopted the Report of the Special Select Committee of the National Assembly on the United Nations Human Rights Council with regard to the abolition of corporal punishment in schools, the abolition of the death penalty, and the decriminalisation of consensual adult same-sex relations, and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.
The committee began work in 2012 following the move to adopt a motion addressing the issues which was tabled by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in August 2012. Government agreed to have the motion sent to the select committee.
PM Hinds had reported to the National Assembly that Guyana appeared before the United Nations
Human Rights Council during the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May 2010, and in September 2010. The second cycle is to take place in 2016. Government is of the view that parliamentary consideration of these matters would enhance the national consultations procedurally, by being the subject of a special select committee, which would organise the meetings in a complementary, credible way.
The motion seeks to have the National Assembly adopt the terms of reference, which will guide the work of the special select committee in the determination of: the attitude of Guyanese, especially parents and children, to corporal punishment and its possible abolition; the attitude of Guyanese, particularly the families of victims, criminologists, and
professionals on capital punishment and its possible abolition, and the attitude of Guyanese on any changes in the legislative provisions and criminal code regarding consensual adult same-sex relationships and discrimination, perceived or real, against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.
The police’s case against Shaka Chase who was controversially charged with the murder of a policeman dramatically collapsed on Thursday after the director of public prosecutions advised the lawmen to withdraw the charge.
Chase, who has been in court umpteen times for criminal offences but has never been convicted, sped out of the courtroom as soon as Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry told him he was freed. He joined scores of jubilant supporters and relatives outside the Middle Street facility where he gave a brief statement to the media before being whisked away in a car.
When Chase was charged on Monday, the prosecutor had indicated that the case did not benefit from the DPP’s advice. The man’s lawyers had argued that he was tortured into signing a confession statement and that they had secured several alibis which placed Chase at venues other than Regent Street and the Avenue of the Republic on April 27 when
Shaka Chase being embraced by jubilant relatives, friends and supporters outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after the charge of murder was withdrawn
Corporal Romain Cleto was gunned down.
Guyana Times was told that the DPP, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack on Wednesday instructed that the charge be dropped and Chase be released with immediate effect, since substantial evidence by the prosecution was not provided to implicate the accused. This decision came after the file was sent to the DPP for her advice on the matter. After perusing the document, Ali-
Hack issues the instruction.
Chase was remanded to prison on Monday by the chief magistrate and was instructed to return to count on Thursday.
Stampede
A tearful Chase exited the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was told “You are free to go” by the presiding magistrate. Chase, who was alone in the prisoners’ docks, was followed by his elated family members.
The sounds of a stampede echoed throughout the courthouse as the freed man slipped into the arms of his family and supporters who had been protesting outside.
Defence counsel James Bond told media operative that justice has prevailed based on the submission of several alibi statements to the DPP and the alleged torture of Chase by the police.
Bond added that a charge that is based solely on a confession statement is tenuous. The second notion submitted by the defence explained that Chase had alibis to authenticate his whereabouts, including those from a police officer and other persons, he disclosed. One such alibi placed Chase at Toddy’s Boy’s Shop, East Ruimveldt at a barbecue during the shoot-
ing incident.
Bond reiterated that the time has come for police and relevant authorities to take complaints of torture and unlawful beating of persons seriously, underscoring that Chase had made similar complaints while he was in police custody. He alleged that it was as a result of the immense torture that Chase had no alternative, but to sign the confession statement.
A Tiger Bay resident, Natasha Blackman had also accused the police of interrogating her using unlawful methods, including electric shock. She also alleged that she was physically assaulted in an attempt to make her sign a statement, which suggested that Chase was among those who opened fire on the police mobile unit on the night of the fatal shooting.
Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the murder of Corporal Cleto and as such, they have arrested 34-year-old Regan Anthony Rodrigues, also known as “Grey Boy” of Riverview, Ruimveldt. It is not clear what evidence his arrest was based on, but the young man who was detained on Monday was due to make his first court appearance on Thursday which did not materialise.
President Donald Ramotar sent a letter to the opposition apologising for any “perception of a slight” caused by them not receiving a letter from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in reference to the legislation in front of Parliament. Slight? This is an opposition, including the Alliance For Change (AFC), that regularly berate the president and his government for being a “cabal” that “rapes” the national treasury. Their whole modus operandi, since they got their one-seat majority in the House, is to use that majority to batter the government into submission.
Did the president really think his letter would cut any ice with that motley crew? One appeals with moral suasion when the other side has morals. Historians doubt Mahatma Gandhi’s pleas would have worked with Adolf Hitler – as it did with the British. Hitler would’ve dumped him into a concentration camp for his efforts. This is an opposition that are interested in one thing and one thing only: to get their beastly hands on the levers of power. Since when have they been moved to do anything for the good of the country? Cutting funds for the Amaila Falls hydro project that can make us free of petroleum debts? Cutting funds to develop Amerindian villages? Cutting funds to build a new airport – which one Mark Archer (A Partnership for National Unity’s spokesperson?) just lambasted as being below Third World? Whatever will hurt Guyana that’s what they’ll do. They figure to do otherwise will help the government. Despicable, but true. You could’ve seen the arrogance brought on by their one-seat majority in Parliament. Prime Minister Sam Hinds asked that the bill be debated as “a matter of urgent public importance”, which would’ve allowed the ordinary procedures to be suspended. Deputy Speaker Debbie Backer, revelling in her occupancy of the chair, gloated, “no way!!” So she means an action that could make our country into a blacklisted international pariah by May 27 is not an “urgent matter”?
The opposition are now smugly asserting that they will “not be rushed”. Sure, why be rushed? It’s only the international reputation of our country at stake. So what if it’ll take decades to remove that stain? The refrain eerily echoes their chant during the riots of the 1960s that “they will not be moved”. In that episode to grab power, of course, they ripped apart the country with riots and arson – not to mention racial violence.
This is an opposition that scorn the language of conciliation. They dub this “appeasement”.
When the British were ruling us (and half the world) one of their favourite tactics when they wanted to maintain the status quo – that is, to do nothing – they’d appoint a commission. Complaints about working conditions? Appoint a commission! Funds can’t be accounted for? Well, for God’s sake, appoint a commission!! Dogs were being maltreated? What else? Get a commission in place to do something about it!
Of course, there’d be hearings that would go on and on and then a REPORT would be issued and then...nothing. The report would join others on some dusty shelf in some bureaucrat’s storeroom. Well, the opposition seem to have a penchant for commissions. And imagine, David Granger was supposed to be part of the new wave to break the colonial thinking. But then he was sent to study in, where else? England, wasn’t he?
Even before the dust has really settled on the Linden Commission of Inquiry that they’d stamped their feet until they got, Granger has moved a motion for the president to set up a commission to investigate Trafficking in Persons (TIP). They claim the numbers uncovered up to now is only the tip of the iceberg. More high-paying ‘wuk’ for the boys.
...fired lecturers
One fired lecturer cited Ludwig Wittgenstein to claim you can’t ask “yes or no” questions. Has he ever actually read the great man’s theory of language games? You damn well can – it’s the move you’re making that counts. What a fake!!!
… WPO to mark 60th anniversary with much “fanfare”
By Michael younge
Women’s Progressive Organisation
President Indra Chandarpal said Guyanese women had much to celebrate, given the social, economic and political gains made in Guyana during the past 60 years.
Chandarpal was at the time speaking during a press conference held at the Red House in Kingston to inform the media of the plans and activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) women’s arm, which was established on May 27, 1953.
Chandarpal, who is also head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, said Guyanese women can now proudly boast of equitable access to education, health care, and the public service, as well as leadership posts within the government and the legislature and many other accomplishments. Chandarpal recalled the hurdles that women faced in their daily lives in the 1950s and 1960s.
She said that the WPO has, from the time of its establishment, been advocating for gender equality while representing disadvantaged grassroots women and other women folk who themselves discriminated against purely owing to their gender as the world was seen as a place where only men had rights.
Women’s suffrage
Chandarpal said the WPO lobbied besides the PPP while it was in opposition, taking an affirmative stance on the need for women to have the right to vote and to participate freely in an electoral system that dictated the outcome of many issues affecting them. Today, she remarked, women in the WPO, as well as other parties, are now the dominant actors in the electoral system and work.
She was proud of the fact that the WPO came into being some 26 days after the PPP won the first elections held in Guyana under Universal Adult Suffrage, explained that it opened the door for women to commence the process of determining their own future, while contributing politically towards Guyana’s development.
Chandarpal took the opportunity to reflect on the appointment of Janet Jagan, Jessie Burnham, and Jane Phillips-Gay to the legislative council when the PPP won the elections for the first time in 1953,
describing it as “evidence” that women were of importance to the party.
“We have a lot to celebrate in all aspects of our lives...we were the pioneer movement that made it happen,” she said as she referred to the accomplishments of the WPO. Chandarpal did not fail to acknowledge the hard work and labour of Guyanese women leaders across the country, telling media that her party was proud to salute those women within the WPO and PPP who have made sterling contributions to improving the conditions under which women live and work.
She explained that the WPO has more than 150 groups across the country and its last congress saw some 32 leaders being extracted to serve and give voluntarily towards the work of the PPP.
Membership
The WPO boasts more than 5000 women members, with membership expanding across all administrative regions.
Asked about the single most important contribution made by the WPO, Chandarpal listed a number of initiatives which have empowered women while equipping them with the necessary skills to face the world. She cited providing training to professional and grassroots women in information technology and working with them on an individual basis to meet specific needs.
Chandarpal, a former state and government minister, also expressed confidence that the WPO will continue to have its say whenever the PPP compiles its elections manifesto. She explained that many women and family issues that are of importance to the party were pushed by the WPO at the party level.
She was ecstatic at the fact that the WPO will for the first time this Saturday host a “mega” event at the
PNational Cultural Centre that would see grassroots women from all over the country converging at one location to celebrate womanhood and the accomplishments of the organisation.
Chandarpal said the party’s women will engage in cultural presentations, drama, poetry, song, and other socially cohesive exercises as they mark the challenges they have faced and overcame successfully while embracing the work still ahead.
On Saturday too, President Donald Ramotar will join the ladies to express his gratitude as the PPP’s general secretary for the work undertaken in the interest of women. A display of some 60 women who have influenced various outcomes at different historic periods is expected to be on show in the halls of the culture centre. Additionally, a number of outreaches and other activities are taking place across the country.
The WPO also plans to utilise the opportunity to mobilise women in response to calls for assistance and work on completing a book on the history of the organisation.
violence
Meanwhile, asked about the spate of domestic violence in the country, Chandarpal informed Guyana Times that the WPO remains committed to working in the fields with womenfolk to stem the tide of the scourge.
However, she does not believe that domestic violence could be “eradicated from our society”, as she noted the root of the problem which apparently lies in the way women are painted by religion, society, and a myriad of other influences.
The WPO, she advised, will continue to work on various pieces of legislation as was done in the past to criminalise the act of beating or harming womenfolk, either physically or mentally.
olice have launched an investigation in the alleged arson committed on the Merriman Funeral Home, at Lime and Bent streets, Georgetown on Thursday morning.
The fire, which started about 01:00h on Thursday, completely destroyed two hearses that were neatly parked in the garage. The front of the chapel and the PVC ceiling were partially destroyed by the fire. When Guyana Times visited the establishment on Thursday, the co-owner of the business was in discussion with fire officials as they tried to ascertain what exactly occurred.
A neighbour stated that he heard an explosion about 12:55h and when he looked out, he saw the front door of the chapel on fire. Soon after, another loud explosion was heard. Workers at the funeral home told this newspaper that they received the message and by the time they arrived at the scene, the firefighters and residents had the blaze under
control.
In an invited comment, fire chief Marlon Gentle revealed that the fire service is treating the incident as arson. He disclosed that from all indications, the hearses in the garage were deliberately set ablaze with a flammable liquid.
Gentle added that upon receiving the report, two tenders and a tanker from the Central and Alberttown fire stations were deployed to the scene. Firefighters were forced to break a back door to gain entry into the building to contain the fire within.
The fire chief highlighted
that the police are now investigating the incident and the owners are not sure who would want their business to go up in flames. The proprietrix revealed that her husband’s car was torched while it was parked in front of the building December last.
The power supply to the building was immediately disconnected by the Guyana Power and Light but officials assured that the freezers were not affected by the fire. Workers thanked the residents who formed a bucket brigade and extinguished the fire within minutes. The police are continuing their investigations.
Officer in charge of the Caricom’s Directorate of Human and Social Development, Myrna Bernard says that secondary schools have been placing increasing focus on purely academics at the expense of other developmental areas.
Speaking at the 24th Caricom Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) under the theme, “Fostering Innovation through Education and Culture”, Bernard stated that technical areas such as physical education, sport, drama and music are replaced with extraneous academic activity.
The situation, she said, is fuelled by the orientation and messages sent by the assessment systems of Caribbean regions and the standards set regarding a quantitative educational accomplishments. “The meeting emphasises the
need for the sensitisation of parents and educators to recognise the value of arts and sport, not only in the development of children in these specific areas, but also the contribution of these multiple intelligence to performance in traditional academic areas”, Bernard stated.
She pointed to an experience shared by Guyana with regard to the preliminary, positive and palpable results from an ex-
periment in use of arts to address disciple and challenges in one particular school. Though focused primarily on issues of education and culture, Bernard explained that the meetings will no doubt continue to highlight the important of integrated strategies encompassing all sectors as the Caribbean region grapple with ensuring its education and culture systems play their role in fostering creativity and innovation.
“This is a major imperative for the development of the region”, Bernard mentioned. She also highlighted the value of continued functional creativity among youths as a viable means of addressing the collective human and social development agenda of the region.
“Our member states have been active participants in this process; contributing the technical expertise of their officials in the development of region-
al public goods to facilitate the implementation of solutions; a fine example of regional integration at work.”
Bernard added that the regional human and social development agenda is one which is shared and greatly facilitated by developmental partners and relevant institutions working along with member states and the secretariat. The 24th COHSOD Meeting will focus on the new skills set to be developed, if education at all levels is to become relevant to personal development and to the new skills set relevant to competitiveness and innovation.
It will also examine and pay attention to some special challenges which have plagued and diminished regional efforts at human resource development.
These include the escalating violence in schools and issues relating to health and development, such as the changing epidemiology of childhood obesity and also issues such as teenage pregnancy. The ministerial conference was preceded by a technical meeting of education and cultural officials in separate session on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The joint engagement provided for a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on the manner in which the two sectors can work together to realise not only the specific objective of the cultural industries but also the holistic development of the ideal Caribbean citizen. “We look forward to continued collaboration and cooperation as we seek to development the ideal Caribbean citizen,” the Caricom official said.
Rum Jhaat want a different kinda commission
When de Linden people bruk up and bruk down dem own town under de influence of Rum Jhaat, No Gel Hugly and de whole KFC party, de opposition call fuh a commission of inquiry. So de guvament give dem what they want.
When de inquiry was goin on, No Gel Hugly embarrass heself fuh de whole of Guyana to see what kinda lawyer and liar he is. Hugly tell so much lie to de commissioners that he had to walk out by he self. Hugly couldn’t even listen to he own lies.
Then when de commissioners give de final report, de opposition disagree wid every ting. And it was de opposition who help choose de commissioners and it was de opposition who help set de terms of reference. De guvament just can’t please de opposition even though de opposition get what dem want.
Now de opposition mek Parliament approve a commission of inquiry fuh look into traffickin in persons (TIP). Now because Green Jah don’t want to expose Mook Lall, he only want to look into human smugglin in Guyana.
But de Mook stayin quiet because he don’t know yet if Prezzie Donald gon appoint de commission and if de prezzie gon include de backtrackin in de terms of reference. Plus de Suriname route get block off now. So de Mook tryin to give Prezzie Donald plenty publicity in de Kocheur mud paper tinkin that de prezzie gon be sorry fuh he.
A reporter pun Saffon Street seh de Mook walkin around wid an extra suitcase of cash fuh bail money in case de police hold he and lock he up. But dem boys who seh dem is boys seh de money is not fuh bail, because de Mook gon want to stay in de lockup. De money is fuh buy Guinness fuh dem other boys in de lockup who gon be wid de Mook.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, Rum Jhaat callin fuh more commission too. But he only want de commission what does go in he pocket. De same kind that he does collect from de Feathers people, from de drug lords, and from Robbin Badal!
“Stalker” charged with larceny and assault
On Thursday, a man was charged with simple larceny and assault.
Twenty-two-year-old Leroy Williams was brought before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts and was charged with assault and simple larceny.
It was alleged that on December 17, 2012, Williams, of 51 Norton Street, stole one cellphone from Samantha Chase valued $50,000, and on May 17, he assaulted her causing bodily harm. Williams pleaded not guilty to both
charges, saying that he and the complainant had been living together for seven months.
He claimed that on the day he supposedly assaulted Chase, the two of them, along with her children, were at the Square of the Revolution and then they went to Church’s , where they sat and talked for awhile. He also said that at the time the cellphone was stolen, he and Chase were living together and he had reason to take the phone.
According to Prosecutor Alexis David Hossanah, the two were friends but
Williams would stalk Chase. The virtual complainant was at home when the cellphone was stolen, the prosecutor added, and on May 17, Williams slapped Chase who made a report and Williams was arrested. Hossannah also stated that Williams is a known character.
Bail was granted to the defendant in the sum of $75,000 for the simple larceny charge and $25,000 for the assault. Williams was also ordered to stay away from the complainant and the matter is set to return to court on June 12.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has seen a 38 per cent decline in gross loans and 41 per cent in disbursement, a worrying trend for member countries, Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told governors of the Bank on Thursday.
Singh said these developments must be arrested and reversed forthwith, and urged directors and management to take all necessary steps to accomplish this. “The region has real and urgent needs, and the bank
has an indispensable role to play in helping to meet these needs,” Dr Singh told the bank’s annual general meeting being held in St Lucia.
Dr Singh said too that there has been a 377 per cent reduction in net transfers resulting in negative net transfer of resources to borrowing member countries for the first time since 2000. ”At the same time, we note with equal concern, the recent downgrading of the bank’s credit rating.”
He however pointed to the rededicated energies of
the bank in supporting the achievement of improved macroeconomic conditions in the borrowing member countries, including maintaining, achieving or returning to fiscal and external sustainability, remains critical to ensuring that targeted poverty interventions have the intended effect.
“In this context, permit me once again to reiterate and strongly urge the need for a viable and practical strategy for Caribbean development. The bank is much more than a lending institution. As I
have already said, it is a uniquely endowed regional repository of expertise especially on development matters. This incomparable regional resource must be mobilised in aid of a more effective response by our region to the thus far elusive quest for lasting development and prosperity.”
He also assured governors that Guyana remains strongly committed “to our ongoing effective collaboration with President Warren Smith and his team in the discharge of the bank’s de-
Seventy-eight of the most successful teachers from Regions Five and Six have been honoured for their outstanding contribution towards the development of education. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) in collaboration with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) on Thursday honoured the outstanding educators for their performances during the last school term. Along with the teachers, the outstanding students from their classes were also recognised.
The club which is based in Rose Hall Town started the project of honouring teachers and students of the Port Mourant Secondary School (PPSS) in 1998 on a termly basis. However as several of the teachers from PPSS were transferred to other schools, they asked for their new schools to be included in the programme.
The Berbice Branch to the GTU then approached the club to have the competition done regionally. This is the first time the competition was held regionally and it
also included Region Five.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School, Secretary of RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster explained that in order for a school to qualify, the schools were given raffle sheets and had to get them all filled. “The money from the raffle went towards purchasing the gifts that we are handing out today.”
Foster called on the awardees to continue to maintain high standards and to strive for excellence. “Teachers, it is your duty to mould the minds of our youth and it is a responsibility that you must take with pride. Be a positive role model to every one of your students and always be disciplined and committed.” He urged the teachers to develop a character that no one can question. “To the students, please continue on the current path to fulfil your ambitions. Listen carefully to every advice that is given to you.”
President of the GTU Colin Bynoe said that he was disappointed that less
than 50 per cent of the more than 200 schools in the two regions allowed their top teacher to be recognised. Those schools did not qualify by virtue of not returning the required amount of filled raffle sheets. “The idea spreading this to all schools is to seek to bring about a high level of motivation among our teachers in the schools in Regions Five and Six.” He also expressed disappointment that none of the two departments of education were represented at the award ceremony. However, he congratulated the teachers and students.
“Boys and girls you are being rewarded for your good performance in this term by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in conjunction with the Guyana Teachers Union. You could be awarded again next year only if you maintain the same spirit and attitude and performance. Teachers you also have been selected through a process as the best teacher at the school. You can be awarded again… there were times when people used to
speak well of our teachers in Berbice, let us have those days returning”, Bynoe said. Meanwhile apart from the RHTY&SC the project was sponsored by Food for the Poor, the Berbice Bridge and Metro. Manager of Metro (Berbice Branch) Ava Lindie took the opportunity to call on the business community to lend more support towards the development of education. “We have a destiny to mould and we can only do that through collaboration.”
Vice Chairman of Region Six Bopaul Jhagroo congratulated those involved noting that the human resource is the most important resource there is and it must be treated with respect and care. Meanwhile Regional Councillor Anil Beharry in brief remarks noted that some in the teaching profession are money driven and asked the GTU president to pay more attention to the issue of teachers spending more time and placing more emphasis on afterschool lessons for which students have to pay.
velopment support mandate in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.”
Singh said over the time that has elapsed since their last meeting, bank management and staff have continued to labour under the distinguished leadership of President Smith in support of the region’s ongoing efforts to confront and overcome the challenges of poverty and subpar development, to strengthen and grow our economies, to improve the circumstances and quality of life of our fellow
citizens, and to realise the objective of a lasting prosperity for the Caribbean.
He said for its contribution to the advances “we have made as a region over the past year; we are indebted to the bank. In the same breath, given the considerable work that remains ahead of us as we confront the task of developing our countries and our region, we will continue to look to the bank and expect much of it, especially since for so many of us, it is the sole or main source of development financing.”
Amajor initiative has been launched to develop an online presence for the Linden Town Week, the Guyana Jazz Festival Foundation Inc, a non-profit organisation, announced earlier this week.
The initiative will establish a dynamic website, social media applications, event planning platform, ticket sales capability, donation capability, and live event streaming to a worldwide audience via the Internet. In addition, the initiative will develop an event management plan and standard operating procedures. These improvements will assist the event organisers, promoters, and attendees to improve planning and quickly share and access information about this event in a manner of their choosing.
“The Guyana Jazz Festival Foundation is committed to bringing worldclass planning expertise and tools, utilising the power of technology, to all stakeholders,” Guyana Jazz Festival Foundation Inc CEO Robert Millington said in a release on Monday. “By adding an online presence to this event, we’ve made it extremely easy for local and overseas-based Guyanese to better access information which will increase attendance.”
Millington was born and spent his formative years in the mining town, before emigrating to the United States, where he served as an officer in the United States Navy for more than
20 years.
Some of the benefits that will be realised by all Lindeners include the ability for residents to list and rent their home or individual rooms in their home, to overseas and out of town attendees. In addition, stakeholders traditionally left out of the event can begin coming back. Activities for mature Guyanese and children will play an increasingly larger role in the event.
The foundation retained the services of its sister company, Dome Group Inc, an information technology and administrative consulting company, to bring this initiative to completion. Work commenced on the initiative in the days immediately following the conclusion of the 2013 Linden Town Week on May 6 and is expected to be completed by May 31.
When completed the following will be made available to the Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC), and the Linden Cultural Development Committee: a website: http://www.lindentownweek.org, a Facebook page, Twitter account, YouTube channel, Ustream Channel, and EventBrite Event Listing. The draft event management plan and other details can be found at http://www.facebook. com/lindentownweek1/ app_182667455607.
All costs associated with this initiative will be borne by the Guyana Jazz Festival Foundation.
Aretired Guyana Defence Force warrant officer was earlier this week charged for allegedly stealing frozen chicken from the army’s ration depot.
In a statement, the GDF said last Saturday military police were forced to arrest the recently retired Warrant Officer Class One, after he refused to surrender for a
search of his bag, following his unauthorised entry of the force’s Ration Depot at Base Camp Ayanganna.
The warrant officer was verbally ordered to report to the officer
in charge of the Military Police Department but refused and checks later revealed that he was in possession of a quantity of frozen chicken. The matter was reported to the
Alberttown Police Station and he was arrested. An investigation was done by the police with statements taken from military personnel involved in the matter. The ex officer ap-
peared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, May 19 and was charged for larceny of the chicken from the GDF Ration Depot. He was placed on $25,000 bail.
The Caribbean will remain vulnerable to external shocks if countries do not diversify their economies, Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told governors at the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual general meeting being held in St Lucia.
Singh said as has been the case in recent years, the region mirrored the multi-speed performance, with Caribbean commodity exporters growing by 3.4 per cent in 2012 and projected to grow by 3.6 per cent in 2013, while tourism dependent Caribbean economies grew by 0.3 per cent in 2012 and are projected to grow by 1.2 per cent in 2013.
Vulnerability
“As I have stated elsewhere, this striking dichotomy is reflective of the under-diversification of our region’s individual economies and the under-integration of the regional economy as a whole. Until these failures are resolved, our region’s vulnerability will remain chronic,” Dr Singh told the meeting.
He said a review of recent global economic developments renders limited basis for optimism regarding the external environment in which we operate relative to one year ago. The global economy grew by 3.2 per cent in 2012 and is projected to grow by 3.3 per cent
in 2013. Underlying this is growth of 1.2 per cent in the advanced economies in both years of interest, and growth of 5.1 per cent and 5.3 per cent in the emerging and developing economies in the two years respectively. Within the advanced economies themselves, the return to growth has been progressing at similarly asymmetric speeds, with modest growth in the United States and Japan contrasting with lingering contraction in the Euro area. Importantly for us in the Caribbean, the minister said the global outlook continues to be characterised by significant downside risks and conditions that have adverse implications for small vulnerable economies such as ours, including persistent unemployment, faltering consumer and business confidence, and unpredictable commodity markets.
Turning his attention to Guyana, Dr Singh said this country has been endeavouring an aggressive approach to accelerating economic diversification and building greater resilience, with significant returns emerging from these efforts. “Gone are the days when our heavy dependence on the traditional products, sugar, rice and bauxite, left our economic fortunes to the vagaries and vicissitudes of these industries. Today,
buoyant activity in mineral exploration and extraction, agricultural diversification, information and communications technology, construction and financial services, and adventure tourism, all form the basis for a broader-based and more resilient Guyanese economy.”
In addition, he said aggressive efforts at migrating from dependence on fossil fuels to reliance on hydropower to meet the needs of the national electricity grid with increased generation capacity and improved reliability and affordability, establishing a framework within which the vast and pristine standing forests can be and are remunerated for the invaluable global environmental services they pro-
vide, along with cementing closer physical and economic integration with our hemispheric neighbours including Brazil, all augur well for the medium and long term outlook for Guyana.
“Mr Chairman, as a result of this dedicated focus, Guyana was able to record a seventh consecutive year of positive economic growth, with real gross domestic product expanding by 4.8 per cent in 2012. The rice industry achieved the highest output ever produced in the industry’s history, the gold industry similarly achieved the highest ever level of output by the small and medium-sized miners in the country’s history, and strong positive growth was recorded in several other sectors. Export earnings increasing by 23.6 per cent, foreign direct investment increased by 19 per cent, and external reserves were maintained at four months of import cover.”
Banking system
He highlighted that credit by the banking system to the private sector grew by 20 per cent, the weighted average lending rate of the commercial banks declined by 60 basis points, the exchange rate remained stable, and inflation was contained to 3.5 per cent.
The finance minister said the progress made in Guyana in strengthening the economy and improving
The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) is awaiting the repayment of monies owed by its president Ganesh Mahipaul to commence work on two outstanding projects.
This was revealed by UGSS Junior Vice President Marisha Bowen who said the funds will be used to undertake some rehabilitation projects.
The UGSS president was sent on administrative leave, pending an audit by university auditor Quincy Borne into a loan he took, which Mahipaul is confident will turn out in his favour.
Bowen said the student society is hopeful that all the monies will be repaid in a timely manner, so as to complete the outstanding projects before the current body’s tenure expires. The life of the current UGSS is expected to come to an end in September and fresh elections will be held in
October.
The two projects to be undertaken are rehabilitation of the back entrance of the university and the staircase to the facility that houses the Spicy Dish canteen at the Turkeyen campus.
Aside from these two projects, she said the UGSS is not engaged in other activities at the moment since exams are in session.
Since the resignation letters of the society’s senior vice president, Mahendra Doraisami, and its public relations officer, Amir Dillawar, were accepted, and Mahipaul was sent on leave, the UGSS executive body consists of Bowen, Treasurer Sherwin Benjamin and Secretary Adel Lily. Two representatives from each faculty complete the society’s membership.
Bowen noted that she had put the question to the members of the UGSS, whether they believe that the cosignatories for the loan that was granted to Mahipaul should also be sent on leave as was suggested by Dillawar at the time of his resignation.
Deleted
However, she said no consensus was reached on the idea.
Last month, Mahipaul was accused by a group of students of misappropri -
ating $800,000 of the student body’s money, and admitted to borrowing the funds.
He was subsequently given a deadline of this month-end by which to repay the funds, which he said he is on track to meet. The student body president said the money was borrowed to offset personal expenses, but remained mum on what those expenses were.
Mahipaul earlier this month told this publication that contrary to reports about misappropriation of the funds, the $800,000 was borrowed according to the process stipulated in the constitution governing the society.
When asked about his reasons for not approaching a bank or another financial institution to obtain a loan, he said he did at the time not possess any form of collateral, which is required by financial institutions.
key social indicators is not accidental, but instead is the result of a deliberate policy stance, exercising responsible choices when confronted with testing policy options, sustained implementation in oftentimes challenging circumstances, and the strong support of our development partners. Foremost amongst these, he said was the CDB, which continues to prove its worth as a reliable partner in Guyana’s development efforts, with investments “in our country’s physical infrastructure and education sectors featuring prominently in the bank’s portfolio in Guyana.
Physical infrastructure
He noted that in the area of physical infrastructure, the bank approved last year a US$34 million loan to finance the rehabilitation of the West Coast Demerara Road; a major highway linking large residential, commercial, and agricultural communities. Incidentally, this was the single largest project approved by the bank in 2012. In addition, the US$16 million loan to finance improvement of community roads in several coastal villages is currently in an advanced stage of implementation and will significantly improve living conditions in the targeted villages.
In education, the completion and bringing into operation of two new techni-
cal and vocational education training (TVET) centres under the US$7 million TVET project last year have already resulted to date in 390 young men and women commencing training courses, at least 50 per cent of whom will complete their training this year and immediately enter the workforce.
Grant funds Singh said projects funded by grant resources administered by the bank continue to be a critical component of our financing portfolio, and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is foremost amongst these.
“This fund has supported projects in health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure and skills training, throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said.
The projects under implementation with bank support in Guyana are a manifestation of the unique position occupied by the bank as the premier indigenous regional development institution, resourced with world class expertise in the practice of development, incomparably equipped with the local knowledge and the advantages of proximity, and strategically poised to be responsive to Caribbean circumstances and needs as an effective intermediary of development resources and facilitator of development results.
President Donald Ramotar has expressed sympathy to the president and the people of the United States of America hit by a devastating tornado in Oklahoma City on Monday, May 20. The message was forwarded to U.S. President Barack Obama, through the U.S. embassy in Guyana on Tuesday, May 21. The message read, “The horrendous toll caused by the tornado which cost lives and devastated homes in Oklahoma yesterday has struck a chord of sympathy in the hearts of the people of Guyana.
On their behalf and that of the government of Guyana, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with the families who have been affected by this tragedy. “ The tornado hit sections of Oklahoma City, covering 17 miles of ground in 50
minutes, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, as well as schools and hospitals. Winds reached speeds of up to 210 miles per hour, and many structures were ripped from their foundations. The death toll is at least 24, with more than 200 injured, including 70 children. (GINA)
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony believes that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) is driven by the belief that it stands much stronger as a family of nations in times of great difficulty.
Dr Anthony was addressing a delegation of education and culture officials during the opening of the 24th Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) at the Pegasus Hotel.
He noted that the meeting comes at a historic juncture in the development of the regional community when the organisation is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
“Since the founding of Caricom and over these 40 years, the community had good and bad times: times when we celebrate and times when we introspect, times when we can look back and times when we look forward and yet through these years, we have never faltered in our optimism and enthusiasm to build a better Caribbean,” Dr Anthony remarked.
He stated that Guyana, as a founding member of Caricom, remains strongly committed to the idea of regional integration and occasions such as ministerial meetings provide the region with an opportunity to reaffirm that commitment.
Undiluted focus
According to Dr Anthony, over the years, COHSOD has provided policymakers with the space and opportunity to debate, discuss, and to shape a vision for the region.
“We have seen this mechanism being utilised to focus attention on particular sectors such as education, health, youth, children, gender, sport and culture,” the culture minister pointed out.
He stated that such an undiluted focus has allowed the region to unravel the many thorny issues, which have plagued the Caribbean within the various sectors and to proffer solutions to prevent, curtail, and cure the anomalies.
“We know that sectors do not exist in a vacuum and sometimes, considering them separately, we run the risk of losing the big picture where the synergistic efforts make a greater impact.”
The minister added that it was on this basis that Caribbean ministers of culture felt a crucial need to convene a joint meeting
Dr Frank Anthony
with their education counterparts.
He said the agenda of the two-day meeting is ambitious in its structure and content, touching on the roles of culture and education in the development of an ideal Caribbean person.
Dr Anthony stressed that drawing on the history of the West Indies and inspired by the challenges that confront the region, Caricom must ensure that the ideal Caribbean person is given the opportunity to develop the right skills set for the knowledge-based economy.
Narrowing the digital divide
“We must examine how we narrow the digital divide and prevent marginalisation and exclusion in the 21st century,” Dr Anthony stated.
The meeting will address how Caricom as a region can take advantage of the economics of social media.
It also hopes to examine the Draft Regional Development Strategy for cultural industries in Caricom and its implication for education and culture, as well as the manner in which the Caribbean can integrate cultural literacy into the school’s curriculum.
Referring to Technical, Vocational Education Training (TVET), Dr Anthony emphasised that the time has come for Caricom to introduce the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) across the region.
He also alluded to the emphasis necessary on quality and coordination at various levels in the education system and in developing the ideal Caribbean person.
The COHSOD meeting also aims to address issues relating to violence against children and the region’s preparation for Carifesta XI.
friday, may 24, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com
Police in Moruca, Region One have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly beat his father to death at their home, Barakawu, North West District (NWD) on Wednesday.
Sixty-six-year-old Gilbert Adams of Barakawu, NWD was discovered dead in his house with several stab wounds and other marks of violence about his
body. Reports reaching this newspaper revealed that Adams and his son were seen at a wake house in the community on Monday evening.
Adams and his son whose name was given as Benny had an argument at the wake house and soon after they were seen leaving the premises. Upon reaching home, the argument continued during which
his son picked up a piece of wood and started to hit his father about the body.
According to information, the man received severe injuries about his body and was left to die. He later returned and was reportedly attempting to bury his father’s body on a nearby plot of land to their house.
His plan was interrupted when a group of boys saw him committing the act.
After the young men called out to him, he ran, raising suspicion among the young men. Upon checking, they saw the man’s motionless body.
The youngsters then reported the matter to the Moruca Police Station and the deceased’s body was taken to the Santa Rosa Hospital mortuary. The police are still investigating the matter.
A27-year-old Cullen man was sentenced to four years imprisonment for being in possession of firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a licence.
The matter was brought before Magistrate Sunil Scare on Thursday at the Suddie
Magistrate’s Court. The accused, Charran Budhoo was not present in court, however the trial continued. Budhoo appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on November 11, 2012 and was remanded. His case subsequently went to High Court where he was granted bail.
According to police reports, on November 5, 2012, police received a report of wounding committed on a Zorg en Vlygt man. According to information the police went to the backdam where the defendant was seen standing in front of a bridge with an unlicenced gun. The police conducted a search and also found cartridges on Budhoo’s person. The defendant’s address was given as Lot 8 Cullen Village, on the Essequibo Coast. His sentence was handed down in his absence. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai spoke of the elevation of Guyana’s indigenous people, initiatives to propel their village economies, and their right to representation in several constitutional rights bodies at the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York at the UN headquarters. The forum is addressing the implementation of the declaration on the rights of the indigenous peoples.
At the forum held on May 22, Minister Sukhai said, “I am proud to announce that the government of Guyana, stands firmly on the side of our country’s indigenous peoples and while the achievements are measurable, we still have a lot of work to do amidst the challenges in bridging gaps and obtaining policy objectives…. To this end, all stakeholders are encouraged to seriously contribute to greater tolerance, respect, and recognition for the rights and development of Guyana’s indigenous peoples.”
She pointed out that Guyana’s Constitution, laws and policies underscore the “equality of all peoples” and explicitly prohibit discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, gender, and religion – not in law, not in policy and not in action. Amerindians are represented on the five constitutional rights bodies that include the Indigenous People’s Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission, which offer direct opportunities for Amerindians to have recourse to addressing discrimination and rights issues affecting them.
The Amerindian Act, No 6 of 2006, provides for the guarantee of Amerindian land rights, self-determination within Guyana subject to state sovereignty, being mindful of the fact that there is no right to succession which is in keeping
with Article 46 of the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).
Major achievement
“The government’s continued focus on Amerindian land rights and ownership is a major achievement… of the 110 Amerindian communities, 98 have been awarded absolute grant and the successes of the demarcation programme have resulted in the demarcation of 77 of the 98 titled areas,” she said.
Minister Sukhai highlighted that the Amerindian Titling and Demarcation Project 2013-2015 is expected to complete all titling and demarcation of Amerindian lands for which funding is provided from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). Allocations this year amount to $77.8 million to advance the completion of 12 communities and the demarcation of eight titled villages.
With regards to self determination, decision-making and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Minister Sukhai noted that Article Four of the Amerindian Act provides for the establishment of locally-elected village councils, whose mandate is to ensure good governance and management, and use of land and natural resources in their respective villages.
“Guyana has a track record of inclusionary governance and at no time in Guyana’s history was there such a high level of participation of indigenous leaders and people in the body politic of our country… in short, indigenous peoples speak for themselves and freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development,” she emphasised.
Participation and the informed voice of the Amerindians are identified in all the major na-
tional strategic, legislative, and developmental fora. Amerindian organisations and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) continue to lend informed voices to the formulation, revision, and updating of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which aims to transform Guyana’s economy while combating climate change.
The next major step for Amerindians is the discussion and approval of the “opt-in mechanism” towards the LCDS for which consultations are ongoing. When addressing economic social and cultural development, Minister Sukhai indicated that the mainstreaming of Amerindian village economies’ development is dependent on the decisions of the communities for which the priorities are captured in the Community Development Plans of 166 villages. The government has committed to providing “the investment funds in support of the economic initiative of the villages”, she stressed.
Additionally, government allocated funds this year to finance an innovative project for Amerindian youth empowerment to advance youth capacity building, increasing skills and capabilities through apprenticeship and entrepreneurial initiatives for community development, said the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The government has declared a month for the nation to celebrate the diversity of its indigenous peoples, as well as their traditional and cultural heritage. The minister indicated that in relation to gender issues and domestic violence, the indigenous population, including women and girls, are targeted to benefit from genderbased interventions through a national dialogue on domestic violence and a countrywide “Stamp it out” campaign.
The curtains came down on a series of consultation on the strengthening of disaster response and risk reduction capacity countrywide on Thursday, with the national disaster coordinator, Dr Roger Luncheon underscoring the importance of the disaster risk reduction plan.
Dr Luncheon, in addressing a packed audience at the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry Club, said the consultations, which were designed to strengthen the nation’s capacity to respond to disasters and reduce risk will aid in setting a platform for the comprehensive document. The national disaster coordinator said developing and developed countries, including Guyana, have been hard hit by disasters, noting that it is heart-rending to lose and to have to start over.
With the evolution of technology and expansion in knowledge and experience, Dr Luncheon posited that countries have shifted their attention from disaster response to disaster management. He said Guyana has not only instituted systems to respond to disaster but has put in place policies and guidelines that allow the nation to investigate and understand various aspects of disasters, thereby preventing and mitigating their impacts.
Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, in his remarks, said the inputs of various stakeholders are
critical to the execution of the mandates within the policy. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ramsarup said, has been an important partner to the CDC in Guyana in supporting its initiatives on disaster risk reduction.
Nations across the world continue to face the dangers of natural and manmade disasters, but have been able to tackle these phenomena with disaster risk reduction strategies and comprehensive disaster management. He said without these systems in place, the impact of disasters would be far more catastrophic.
All must play their part Referencing the 2005 flood in Georgetown which caused immense damage, the CDC director noted that disaster affects everyone, directly or indirectly, impacting the nation’s economy.
“It cost the government and the people of Guyana, 60 per cent of our GDP; it threw our country back by almost six years, so we are not recovering actually.”
He also alluded to the recent overtopping of the sea wall which also caused much discomfort. He noted that all must play their part: the central government, the local government, the public sector, the private sector, and citizens. “The policy addresses mainly coordination, collaboration, and communication of all agencies involved in all the faces of comprehensive disaster management, that is to say, preparation and planning,
mitigation, risks, recovery and reconstruction.”
Additionally, the policy includes research and development financial arrangements, regional and international cooperation.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to Guyana Chisa Mikami applauded the government of Guyana for the bold step taken. She too referred to the impacts of the 2005 floods, noting that the policy is an important tool. UNDP at the global level has been helping countries alleviate risks and the effects of disasters or natural hazards and to build back stronger and better nations after crises.
In the context of Guyana, UNDP has collaborated with the Inter-America Development Bank to support national institutions, the private sector, and civil society in strengthening their capacity at national and community levels to reduce disaster risk and enhance risk response and preparedness capacity.
The disaster risk management policy was crafted following the 2005 flood in Guyana after the government and other concerned agencies had campaigned for the implementation of a comprehensive programme. In response, UNDP initiated the project “Strengthening National and Local Capacities for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction”, which included as one of its critical components the development of a disaster risk management policy.
The National Art Gallery on Thursday celebrated 20 years of existence with an exhibition at its headquarters located at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road.
The anniversary exhibition took the form of a simple ceremony, which was also held in observance of International Museum Day and Guyana’s 47th independence anniversary. Among the artists and art lovers who attended was U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt.
Addressing the proceeding was National Art Gallery Curator Elfrieda Bissember, who believes this year’s International Museum Day theme “Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change”, is befitting of what the gallery represents to the public.
She said, “I think this is also what a national collection represents. It’s a national memory and also the creativity of one’s artistic citizens and one hopes that those things coming togeth-
er and maybe being released and mediated by a national gallery and people like curators can possibly be shared and understood a little bit by the general public, who are inspired and encouraged to learn more for themselves.”
Making mention of the different types of artwork that surrounded the attendees at the exhibition, Bissember said art shows how “common themes and common approaches exist even in people who are separated by a generation or two and there is something about that, which possibly has to do with notions of Guyana and how people explore Guyana that gives us a sense of Guyanese art.”
The curator also pointed out that the artists’ approach to technique has evolved over the years. “It’s much more challenging, it’s more conceptual, it’s more about firm materials, it’s about how it’s being done,” she outlined.
She said local art is a good representation of what
it means to be Guyanese, adding that as time progresses, it is hoped that young artists will be inspired. The exhibition encompassed paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
The National Art Gallery was established on May 24, 1993. Since it was founded, more than 200 pieces of art have been added to a collection of more than 700 works.
According to Bissember, since the gallery’s inauguration, “much has been done, yet much more remains to be done as we are aware and have more than once declared that we are in the process of building, merely, the strong foundations for what must follow in the many years of expansion [and] achievement”.
As the gallery celebrates its 20th anniversary, the founding chair of the gallery board, the late President Janet Jagan was also remembered for her tireless efforts and enthusiasm in undertaking the many events and programmes of the body.
The opposition, using its majority at the special select committee tasked with reviewing the anti-money laundering amendment bill, set June 12 as the next meeting date, effectively removing any chances of Guyana meeting a May 27 deadline to have the bill passed.
The opposition’s decision has also ignored President Donald Ramotar’s plea on Wednesday for it to pass the bill by Monday.
Opposition Leader David Granger, whose A Partnership for National
Unity coalition abandoned the committee on Wednesday, announced the APNU’s intentions to return to the discussion table at the level of the special parliamentary select committee to complete the review of the amendments proposed to the act.
Granger, speaking with journalists, said while he was not satisfied with the president and government en bloc, he understood the importance of resuming engagements at the level of Parliament.
“We want to get ahead
with the business before the select committee and that is what we are doing,” the opposition leader noted, warning nonetheless that the coalition will not be rushed into meeting any government deadline. He explained that the amendment bill will be brought before the National Assembly when the select committee completes its deliberations and said that there could many dangers in passing amendments unanimously and without review for the country despite the urgency of the issue at hand.
No matter how long it takes
“We are prepared to give the people of Guyana a money laundering act they can live with… No matter how long it takes, the public will get a good act…,” he stressed.
Despite President Ramotar’s unprecedented appeal, the Alliance For Change (AFC) continued its hard-line position and did not signal any shifting in its posture or demands made at the onset of consideration of the amendments proposed by government.
“I am calling on the parliamentary political parties and their representatives in the special select committee on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering
the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill to do all that is possible to complete the review of this bill and return it to the House expeditiously,” the president had said.
Calling on the parliamentarians to demonstrate unity, zeal and a rebirth of the patriotic sentiments, the president said Guyana’s destiny was in their hands, especially as one contemplates the impact that the non-approval of the legislation will have on Guyana’s economy, ranging from small businesses and consumers to na-
tional institutions and largescale enterprises.
Guyana could be placed at number two on watch list – CFATF
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) said Guyana will become number two just after Uganda on the Financial Task Force’s Dark Grey List if it fails to pass the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Amendment Bill in time for the May 27 deadline.
Speaking with Guyana
Times, an official from the CFATF head office in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, noted that according to data, presently Guyana ranks eligible in the number one category on the United States watch list, while it is eligible as second on the world financial watchdog lists.
“If Guyana doesn’t pass the review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), they will not be removed from the watch list,” stated the official.
It was also noted that the bill, via an internal process, is supposed to try and address the outstanding situations before the plenary meeting in Nicaragua, and if the government cannot reach the requirements, then the plenary meeting and the CFATF will decide the way forward.
The official stated that the Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, and Barbuda and Venezuela were some of the Caricom countries that were on the Dark Grey List because of their failure to meet the requirements and all three countries faced immense repercussions. Attorney General Anil Nandlall is to make a case for Guyana to be granted an extension to have the law amended at the plenary in Nicaragua.
The Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) celebrated its fifth anniversary on Thursday and hosted its annual awards for business excellence ceremony, recognising companies and individuals who have worked assiduously in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
At a simple ceremony held at Cara Lodge on Thursday, the coalition presented the awards.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) won the award for its “Workplace Programme” and an employee, Jaunelle Marks, received the Honourable Mention award for “Outstanding Peer Educator”.
Edward B Beharry and Company Limited employee Rohini Ramkumar collected two awards, one for “Outstanding Peer Educator” and Advocacy and Individual Leadership.
The National Milling Company of Guyana Limited (NAMILCO)
was given an award for “Core Competency” while Scotiabank received one for “Community Investment”.
While this is the coalition’s fifth anniversary, this is the sixth consecutive year that the business sector is being recognised for its commitment to a healthy workforce.
The feature speakers at the ceremony were UNAIDS Country Coordinator, Dr Roberto Campos, and National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) Director, Dr Shanti Singh.
In attendance were Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Human
Services Minister Jenifer Webster, among the coalition’s executives and company’s representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Campos said that the world is changing consistently and it is the people’s duty to adapt to the changes by preparing for the challenges ahead.
Everyone’s responsibility
He noted that when the HIV/AIDS epidemic began some 30 years ago, it rapidly became an economic and human crisis.
At that time, it was seen as the responsibility of the government’s health sector to eradicate the crisis as the epidemic widened, it became the responsibility of everyone.
Dr Compos noted that that there are currently 34 million persons living with HIV/AIDS worldwide and every day 2.5 million persons are being infected, while disclosing that in Guyana, there are some 4000 persons being treated with the disease.
The doctor pointed out that Guyanese citizens and businesses have a social responsibility, a social solidarity, and a responsibility to share.
Meanwhile, Dr Singh said that Guyana has been up to par with the various national response programmes, such as the “prevention
of mother to child transmission” project, which is very successful. She said that with all the work Guyana is doing to eradicate the disease from society, it is placed among the top countries that are persistent in their fight against the disease.
She applauded the GBCHA for its work, noting that the establishment of the coalition was not only strategic but necessary. The doctor reminded everyone that despite all the excellent work being done throughout Guyana, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still very much prevalent and there is much more to be done.
On this note, she challenged the coalition to focus more on discrimination and stigma, which is an ongoing dilemma infected persons face; access of health care for men and boys; expanding its outreach across Guyana, and widening its work on general health in the workforce.
The ANSA McAL Group honoured its 2012 Sector Performers at an awards ceremony at the ultra chic Aioli Restaurant, Maraval. The Sector Performer Awards was first introduced at the Long Service and Group Awards in 2012 and recognises top performers in each
of the group’s eight sectors: Beverage, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Retail, Media, Services, Automotive and Distribution.
This year, the new Corporate Performer Award was added to the list and included head office employees from TT and Barbados. Group chairman A Norman
Agroup of U.S. retailers, including Macy’s Inc and Target Corp, sued Visa Inc and MasterCard Inc on Thursday, breaking off from a proposed US$7.2 billion settlement reached last year over fees to process credit card transactions.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, came ahead of a May 28 deadline for the millions of merchants affected by the settlement to decide whether to forego receiving
damages under the pact and pursue their own legal action.
That settlement, pending in federal court in Brooklyn, would end litigation on behalf of merchants that accused Visa and MasterCard of inflating so-called interchange, or swipe, fees.
Many retailers criticised the proposed settlement after it was announced in July 2012. They say the pact offers inadequate compensation and forces them to sign broad
Sabga, praised the awardees for their sterling contribution to the group and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence in all that they do.
Group HR Director Teresa White sealed the official programme by proposing a toast in honour of the winners. (Trinidad Guardian)
Nissan has said it plans to recall about 841,000 vehicles worldwide due to a faulty steering wheel. In the UK, the recall will affect 133,869 models of the Nissan Micra, built between 2002-2006 in Sunderland. Nissan said that a bolt used in the steering wheel was not screwed on properly, but that there was no danger of sudden fail-
ure. The carmaker said that it will fix the issue by tightening the bolts or replacing steering wheels entirely.
So far, no accidents involving the cars have been reported, Nissan said. But drivers will notice if the steering wheel is getting loose, the company added. A Nissan Motor GB spokesman said: “Over time, the nut that holds on the steer-
Ford plans to
litigation releases that could shield Visa and MasterCard from future lawsuits over antitrust violations.
By “opting out” of the settlement, the retailers can pursue separate litigation seeking damages over allegations of past antitrust violations. But even so, merchants would still be bound by other injunctive relief if the settlement goes forward, including changes to Visa and MasterCard’s swipe-fee rules. (Reuters)
The European Commission rejected Chinese trade association statements that talks to resolve a dispute over allegations of dumping of solar panels had broken down, while Chinese comments highlighted risks the dispute could escalate. EU regulators agreed to impose solar panel duties earlier this month following a investigation launched by a complaint from German manufacturer SolarWorld.
The dispute has the potential to impact 21 billion euros
(US$27.1 billion) worth of imported Chinese solar panels, cells and wafers from manufacturers such as Trina Solar, Yingli Green Energy and Suntech Power Holdings.
A Chinese industry association authorised to represent Chinese solar companies told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that it had made an offer during a visit to Brussels but was rebuffed by the European Commission.
“These claims are simply wrong and misleading for one simple reason – no formal ne-
gotiations are yet ongoing between the EU and China in the solar panel anti-dumping case,” EU trade spokesman John Clancy said in a statement on Thursday.
The Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) said on its website that “because the European side did not show sincerity to solve the problem through negotiations, this first round of negotiations ended in no result and broke down”. (Reuters)
ing wheel can become loose. Drivers could start notice some wobbling of the wheel and if this is ignored there is the possibility that it could come completely off.”
“There have been a few incidents of steering wheels becoming loose, but there have been no accidents,” he added. Nissan has said that the repair would take about 15 minutes. (BBC News)
U.S. car giant Ford Motor will shut all its Australian manufacturing plants by October 2016, after more than 85 years of making vehicles in the country. About 1200 workers are expected to lose their jobs from the Broadmeadows and Geelong plants, in Victoria state. Ford said its Australian operations had lost A$600 million (US$580 million; £385 million) over the last five years.
The strength of the Australian dollar has made manufacturing more expensive, while sales have been under pressure. “Our costs are double that of Europe and nearly four times Ford in Asia,” Bob Graziano, the chief executive of Ford Australia, said. “The business case simply did not stack up.”
He added that “manufacturing is not viable for Ford in Australia in the
long-term”. Ford said that it would still import its cars into Australia. Leigh Diehm from the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union (AMWU) told ABC News that its members in both sites were “devastated by the news”.
“We will be sitting down with Ford this afternoon working our way through and talking to our members on the two sites over the coming months and years.” (BBC News)
Dubai is working to extend its ambitious aviation growth plan by an additional 15 years to 2045, emphasising the emirate’s desire to remain a global leader in the industry. The new “extremely long timeframe” was revealed during an exclusive interview with Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths to be
published in the June edition of CEO Middle East magazine, a sister publication of Arabian Business. Government-owned Dubai Airports is undergoing a massive expansion at both Dubai International, which is the world’s second busiest airport by international passenger traffic, and the new Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World
Central (DWC).
“We’re now working on a master plan which will see how we can produce the right amount of capacity for Dubai’s aviation growth up to 2045, so we are thinking a long way ahead here and there are plenty of options,” Griffiths said.
“I think the sky’s the limit, really, as far as the possibilities are concerned.” (Arabianbusiness)
Whether you target the residential or commercial market, a cleaning service can be easy to start. All you need to succeed is to show up on time and have cleaning supplies. Many couples are too busy at their jobs and other activities that having their home cleaned once per week or month can be a huge value to them. That extra few hours every month is time they normally would not get to spend together. You could get started for less than US$100 even if you had to purchase all new supplies at the store.
Colleges are receiving an ever increasing number of applicants for a limited supply of freshman spots. Parents are worried about their children getting into the best schools, getting the most scholarships, and having the best test scores. You could start by providing tutoring to students on a particular subject or helping them with test prep. You could do basic marketing on bulletin boards in local grocery stores, libraries, and by talking to your network in your local area. You don’t need any expensive equipment to tutor a high school
student in math, so your start up costs would essentially be zero.
The wait list for many of the best preschools and daycare locations are months or years long. Parents looking for a more affordable option would love to have a responsible adult watch their child in their own home. Your only start up costs are being bonded and insured, and having a good reputation. You might have to start small and only provide some part-time support to a family and work your way into a full-time role elsewhere.
(Business Dictionary)
(opening
if
and
thursday's solution
By Bernice Bede Osol
If you’re too anxious to get something done, you might only cause more problems for yourself. Form a plan and follow it carefully.
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Should you have trouble communicating effectively with friends, let them do most of the talking. It’s amazing what you might learn.
It might be difficult to distinguish between business and productivity. If you operate in the former mode, you’ll have little to show for your efforts.
Regardless of peer pressure, avoid actions that don’t serve your best interests. The only person you need to please is yourself.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
Don’t take on more work than you can handle, and try to operate well within your area of expertise. Out of your element, you could easily founder on the rocks.
(March 21-April 19)
Usually, your assessment of new information is on target, but not so today. You’re inclined to jump to conclusions and make some bad decisions.
(April 20-May 20)
Financial matters will tend to be a bit trickier than usual. Make sure you read the fine print on everything.
(May 21June 20)
To appease someone special, you might have to make a painful concession. It will be worth it in the long run.
Stand up for yourself and refuse to be intimidated by a few hotshots who think they have your number. If you allow yourself to feel insecure, it could cause you to make a bad decision.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Keep your head out of the clouds and your mind on what helpful people are trying to tell you. If you don’t, you’ll regret your indifference.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
A fun friend might concoct a hare-brained scheme that sounds exciting. It would be wise to review it carefully before making a leap.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Making an important decision while under pressure from others might not be the smartest way to go. Your thoughts could be easily muddled by outside influences.
As Guyana prepares to host its 47th Independence Anniversary, Club Monaco is giving patrons the opportunity to celebrate at Fete 592. This exciting party which will be held on Saturday May 25 will feature special appearances by dancehall diva, Cecile and King of Soca, Lil Rick. Fete 592 promises to be the ultimate Independence Party experience and patrons are encouraged to wear colours of the Golden Arrowhead to represent their 592 clique.
A great line-up of DJs including Gully Ras, DJ Akeilo and Selector Diamond will juggle all the best hits. Admission to Fete 592 is $2000 and $3000 for tickets to the club’s elevated VIP
After a three month closure, Princess Hotel and Casino’s state of the art swimming pool will be reopened with a bang on Sunday, May 26 when Pulse Entertainment and Princess Hotel team up to host one of the most fun pool parties ever.
The party is called “Pulse Independence Pool Party” which will give ladies the opportunity to showcase their curves and moves as they party to the sounds of Pulse beats. The event kicks off at 13:00h and will go into the wee hours of Monday morning. Experience the excitement of pool games, a swimsuit contest, bouncy castles, inflatable water slides, cocktails, relaxing steel pan music, fabulous lighting and music by Pulse Deejays.
There will also be a wide variety of food and drinks available, such as mouth watering bar-b-que; kebabs; hot dogs; and cocktails.
Apart from the highly anticipated party, the day will also comprise of a swimsuit contest which will see interested participants being registered free of cost on the same day until 16:00h but will pay a minimal fee afterwards. The contest will start at 17:00h.
The winner of that contest will receive gifts compliments of Pulse Entertainment and Princess Hotel and Casino, Guyana.
These include one month gym membership; one month pool membership; free access to two parties hosted by Pulse
Entertainment; dinner for two in Princess Royal Restaurant; one night room accommodation for two and other exciting prizes.
There will also be Corona Beer happy hours during the pool party where patrons can buy two bottles of Corona Beer and get one free.
When it gets dark, patrons will get their grooves on with the selectors and deejays who will mix some of the best music in dancehall, soca, chutney and others. It is one pool party you don’t want to miss.
most popular DJs including Gully Ras, DJ Energy, Selector Diamond and DJ Shizzle
Admission to the Pulse Pool Party is $1500 and tickets can be purchased at the Pulse Entertainment Office, South Road, Georgetown and Princess Hotel and Casino Front Desk, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
for Club Monaco this Sunday night
who will keep the party jumping until day clean.
Don’t forget, the next day is a holiday so come out, relax and enjoy the party atmosphere. Admission into the club is $2000. However, once the ladies make it down to the venue before 23:00h they will be admitted absolutely free.
All roads will lead to the Wales Community Centre Ground this Saturday for the 2nd Annual Chutney/Soca Party featuring some of the best soca and chutney performers.
The evening will see 40 per cent Soca; 30 per cent Chutney; 20 per cent Dancehall and five per cent Hip Hop and R&B music which is expected to blow patrons away. Those to perform live at the event are Guyana’s most versatile artistes: Prince JP alongside Pooran Seeraj; Guyana’s Chutney Queen Fiona Singh and Soca sensation, Shelly ‘G’.
The official ‘Success’ party – come out and celebrate your success this Independence night! This event is sponsored by HJTV and 94.1 Boom FM.
The event is promoted by Promoter Browne and is sponsored exclusively by Carib Beer. Admission to the event costs $500 after 18:00h before which time all will be admitted free. Children under 12 years will be admitted free all night.
Tickets will be available at the gate from 16:00h. Music is provided by Slingerz Family. Rain or no rain, the concert is on.
The Georgetown Cricket Club Ground will come alive this Saturday when the Heineken brand brings together the best of football and great music in one spectacular event when the Road to the Finals UEFA Champions League Viewing Party and Concert is held.
Be among the elite few who will get the chance to view the finals of the UEFA Champions League in a unique atmosphere designed to enhance your experience while viewing the game.
The Rohan Kanhai stands will be transformed into the Heineken viewing party grand stand which will be fully decorated to reflect Heineken premium brand status.
The event begins at 12:30h and the game starts at 14:45h; football enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early to view the most prestigious football tournament in the world.
Half-time excitement will also feature entertainment and persons will be able to enjoy great food and lots of cold Heineken which will be
sold at a special price.
After the finals, to celebrate, fans will be treated to a concert featuring Guyana’s very own Kwesi Ace Edmonson and Barbadian Lil’ Rick popular for hits “I like Myself” and “We want drinks.”
Persons who would like to attend this event can only gain entry by participating in current Heineken promotions, that is, with every Heineken six-pack purchased they get a chance to win a ticket for two, a Champions League mug, T-shirts, caps, bags, key rings and other great prizes.
The event caters to only 1500 persons, and as such, fans are asked to vie for their tickets early. Heineken reminds its supporters to always drink responsibly.
Heineken has been a sponsor of the UEFA Champions League since 1994.
Whenever the names Chow Pow, Henry Rodney, Leza Singh, Chris Gopaul, Chubby and Kwasi Ace are mentioned, it means one thing: “New Generation Comedy”.
On the other hand when names such as Randy Critchlow, Tash Innis, Mark Luke Edwards, Mark Kazim, Granny Ivelaw, Lisa Punch and bodybuilders Kerwin Clarke, Alesha Fortune and Devon Bess are added, it means that Yolo entertainment is at its best again.
Creating an irresistible night of wholesome entertainment, the group will be presenting Part four of Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam at the Garage Bar and Grill on Saturday, June 1.
For $800, advance tickets are available at the Garage Grill and Giftland OfficeMax. Chow Pow does not see it as a business venture but rather to create an atmosphere where young entertainers and athletes alike will be showcased.
With Lisa Punch, who just released her new album on board, it gives a variation to the show and the bodybuilders, who are very excited to be a part of the show, definitely adds some muscle.
The comedy jam has become quite popular at the Garage Bar and Grill. The venue provides a more relaxed atmosphere for fans to savour the flavour of their favourite beverages and enjoy the show at the same time unlike the rules that govern the National Culture Centre.
Yolo entertainment will be providing waiters so patrons would be eased from the stress of traversing to and from the drink and food bars.
Chow Pow also promised that all the comedians will be performing new material and granny Ivelaw also has something special for his fans. It will be a night of pure fun and laughter and is dubbed a must see. But remember, it’s for adult audiences only.
The highly anticipated Carib Beer’s “Chutney Mania” which was postponed due to the inclement weather is most likely expected to come off on June 1 at the said venue, Better Hope Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.
The headliner for the evening is Trinidad’s number one Crossover Band, Jmc3Veni with its headliners, Kris Persad (KI) and Nishard.
Many have witnessed the duo performing at the ‘Clash of the Titans’; ‘Music of the World’ and their recent performance being Pulse Entertainment’s ‘Cooler Fete’, hence they are known for their energetic performance.
They are also known for their versatility as they perform different genres of music including Soca, Chutney, Reggae
and others. The Guyanese cast will include the “No Curfew” singer who recently launched his singles “Haterz” and ‘Gal Don’t Bother”; Prince JP. Aamir Khan, Bunty Singh, Fiona Singh, and the Shakti Strings Orchestra comprising Steven Ramphal; lead keyboardist, Avinash Roopchand and Pooran Seeraj will also add some excitement to the evening. Patrons who wish to be a part of the show can purchase six Carib Beers from any leading Carib dealers and get a free ticket.
The 16 finalists in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited, Jingle and Song competition will have at least another week to get their acts in order since the finals might be held in the first week of June at the National Cultural Centre.
Three weeks ago, the finalists were revealed on the National Communications Network which saw six of the 10 competitors from the Bollywood segment through to the finals while 10 of the 15 in the English segment raced into the finals.
While the decisions were not too
favourable to the general public, it was based on the amount of votes they would have received individually. Those who made it to the finals in the Bollywood segment are Devchandra Ramrattan, Reshma Persaud, Bibi Halima Khan, Denishwar Bisessar, Yeataindra Singh and Andy Rambarack.
Those who made it in the English segment were Neil Maraj, T’Shanna Cort, Diana Chapman, Natasha Yhap, Lerone Souvenir, Edward Perez, Ryan Hoppie, Darren Benjamin, Lemuel Chestor and Michael Small.
Furnished rooms and apartments; 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments- long & short term rental. Affordable rates Call: 227-2199, 227-2186, 227-2189
cAR RENTAl
Journey Inn Apartments & car
rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 6896668, 639-4452.
Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte Street, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034
Electronic course- practical, beginning June 3, limited space available, Abdu l Electronics. Phone: 226-6551.
WHERE CAN YOU GET A BOOK FOR $40? THE MASSIVE BOOKSALE, NOW ON AT BOOKLAND, ABOVE MATTS RECORD BAR (226-2874). BOOKLAND, ON A SAL MISSION “ TO GET BOOKS IN EVERY HOUSHOLD”.
Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315
Clean garden earth 7 builders waste also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling phone: 6160617 or 663-3285.
Cummins currency counters , used by banks wordwide and in Guyana specifically programmed to detect counterfeit Guyana currency, world imports, sales & service phone: 227-4983.
iMMigRATiON
Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK, Immigration and Visa matters. Self Sponsorships, Holiday/Visitor’s Visas, Work Permits, Students Visas, Family, Class, Immigration Forms, Embassy Enquiries, Appeals for Refused Cases, U.S Green Card Lottery, Business Class Waivers, Pardons etc. Get your Visa approved. High Success Rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts.) Tel: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca
KEy cUTTiNg
Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.
friday, may 24, 2013
Along the public road , with one complete metal workshop on 5.5 acres land suitable for any type of business, for more information. Phone: 335-3347.
Setting up of point sales services, for only $12,000. Phone: 669-9342
Cheap earth , delivery to spot ECD & EBD. Phone: 627-9977, 698-0182.
KHEMRAJ & SON (LANDSCAPING & PLANT NURSERY) Lot 77 Independence St, La Grange, WBD. 18 months bearing period, mould for sale, plants for sale, grafted orange & lime trees, treating & trimming of plants, drainage system for land, maintenance of land, weeding & cutting trees, also clearing of land. TEL: 627-5969 & 664-1021
Setting up of point of sale services, for only $12,000 phone:669-9342
Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of behavioral, anger and relationship issues. Depression, suicidal, and other emotional problems, phobias, paranoia, low self-esteem, substance abuse, loss of sexual appetite and arousal, insomnia, addictions, and learning disorders. Call 9AM – 4PM. Tel #: +592621-0552.By appointments only. Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com.
Hanuman astrology to get solution, education, love ,marriage, health, business, visa, children, job, reunify of family, we also removal of evil forces ,destroyed black magic , witch craft, voodoo , obeyah and gives life long protection. Phone: 677-1646, 663-9239, at Parika.
Suriname astrology palmist and djuka healer, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems-(any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and give powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 601-5947.
Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards etc. Phone: 220-0708, 6126417, 687-5653
Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals, and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592-690-1824. Email: anew-life@ live.com
One Toyota mini bus for sale. Front slightly damaged. Working condition. $700,000 neg. Tel: 220-0708, 6875653
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Silver, Fully Equipped. Excellent Condition. Tel: 624-5838
Are you selling your land in Paraite Harmonie. Phone: 675-7292
ROCKSTAR TOP SALE PRODUCERSwe want you, earning potential $40,000 to $100,000 monthly additional income, how about selling products and services that every business needs, while growing your career, phone; 2257560, email cmentore@mstibz. com office:23 North Road Bourda, Georgetown, join a winning team.5
May 25 TH -27 tours Suriname, Boa Vista-Brazil ,Trinidad & Tobago Kaietuer Falls phone:264-2851, email: fallsviewtours@yahoo.com, www.fallsviewtoursgy.com
Randolph Critchlow was born on April 20, 1984 and is originally from the mining town of Linden. He attended the Regma Primary School, and the Mackenzie High School, before moving to Georgetown to attend St Stanislaus College and Brickdam Secondary.
After CXC in 2002, he pursued a degree in English at the University of Guyana but after two years, he became a teacher thus enrolling at the Cyril Potter College of Education where he trained in English. He is currently in his final year at the University of Guyana persuing a Degree in International Relations.
From a very young age he has been writing songs, poems and stories, but it was only after joining Theatre Guild in 2010 that his passion for the theoretical arts was really given scope to fly.
Since then he has acted in a number of major productions including Makantali; the award winning play by Errol Bascom; a role that won him the best supporting actor award that year. He also ventured into writing and directing. He wrote plays such as “Saving Grace” and “Let it Shine” which won many awards at the National Drama Fest 2012 including Best Original Guyanese Play.
In 2012 he also directed a play called “Between the Covers” by Timolyn Barclay in the same festival for which he won the best director award, for the category.
In 2012 he made his first appearance in the famous “Link Show” and has since become an integral part of the script writing team. He also writes for, and acts in, the yearly “Stretched out Magazine”, the comedy show “Ah different Kinda Thing” and more recently writing and directing skits for the upcoming “Chow Pow Comedy Jam”, and “Love and Madness Show”.
In 2011, he starred in a short film entitled “Beached” about a man at the end of his rope. The film was directed by Kojo McPherson and also features seasoned actress Leslyn Fraser.
Apart from acting, he has always loved poetry and has been doing spoken word poetry at the Upscale Restaurant‘s monthly Poetry Night for over two years now, becoming one of the regularly
featured poets.
In 2012 he wrote a poem “Ah Guyanese Thing” for the Schools Dramatic Poetry Competition which won both the regional and national first prize. He has also toured the country performing his poems which always have a touch of Guyanese flavour and a hint of humour. His most recent performance was at the annual Mother’s Night show in Linden.
Critchlow also placed 3rd in the national Poetry Slam competition series promoted by the Upscale Restaurant. He has plans to take spoken word poetry into the school and nationwide, with his newly formed Poetry Group “Camp Refugee” which will be used to get young people interested and enthused about spoken word poetry.
Despite all the other things he did in his very busy days, his most important job still remains being a father to his young son Brad who is the joy of his life.
In an interview with Guyana Times he said that his general view on life is that nothing is more important than friends and family, because in the end, all we really have are the friendships and relationships we build.
“I also feel that life is like a soap bubble; very beautiful but very fleeting hence we should enjoy every millisecond we have alive, before our bubble bursts. This same philosophy has made me a very fun loving person who always tries to find the funny side of everything”, he added.
His favourite quote is “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”, by Aristotle. His advice to any young person is always the same “Let excellence be your habit” – if we do this, we usually head in the right direction.
His success in life would not have been possible without the love and support of his mother and other family members who were always supportive of him. Some persons who he looks to for advice and guidance are Dr Maxine Paris-Aaron, Dr Poloma Mohamed, Dr Joyce Jonas, Ron Robinson, Margrette Lawrence, Malcolm De Feitas, Gem Madhoo, Jennifer Thomas and others.
OpTiciAN
OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.
JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA RUNX; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318I; CALDINA WAGON; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUP 3RZ & 5L; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS; 3; 3.5; TONS OPEN TRAY; 3 TONS WITH TAILGATE HOIST; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TONS DUMP TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762 , 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.
Toyota 212 in excellent condition $1.2m neg. Phone: 661-3525.
Bored and don’t know where to go on Fridays? Then the place for the cleanest and most fun filled parties will be the new and spacious Monaco Night Club.
Club Monaco is inviting persons to party, after a long week at work, at Flaunt Fridays. This exciting party will be held this and every Friday at Guyana’s premier night club. Flaunt Fridays is the ideal event to celebrate the weekend.
Club Monaco provides the perfect atmosphere for persons to unwind after a long week at work. Customers can enjoy our modern night club hyped DJs, cold drinks and amazing service. Flaunt Fridays is not only an exciting party experience but it is also very affordable.
Ladies are FREE all night while men pay only $1000.
Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien starred with the bat as Ireland secured a draw with Pakistan in the first one-day international at Clontarf on Thursday.
Pakistan made 266-5 off 47 overs but that total was adjusted to 275 under the Duckworth-Lewis method after their innings was interrupted by rain delays.
Opener Stirling made 103 off 107 balls to set up a chance of victory.
Kevin O’Brien took up the chase and ended 84 not out off 47 balls, scoring a four off the last ball to tie.
O’Brien’s spectacular innings included 11 fours and two sixes, while at the other end Trent Johnston finished the game unbeaten on seven. Ireland came into the game hoping to beat a full ICC Test-playing member for the first time at home while Pakistan are using the matches as preparation for the forthcoming Champions Trophy in England.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, setting Ireland a substantial total to chase despite four interruptions caused by rain and hail.
A second-wicket partnership of 188 between
Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shafiq created the platform for the Pakistan innings, Hafeez ending unbeaten on 122 off 113 balls and Shafiq contributing 84.
O’Brien and Alex Cusack were the pick of the Ireland bowlers, ending with figures of 2-43 and 2-50 respectively.
Ireland reached 62 in reply before losing skipper William Porterfield for 19 and then Ed Joyce fell after making 32.
Stirling and O’Brien led the way in a dramatic run
chase as the Irish battled their way to a draw, having needed 22 runs to win off the final two overs.
O’Brien struck a four off the final ball from Saaed Ajmal as the hosts fell agonisingly short of a historic victory.
“It feels like a loss as we came so close, but just couldn’t get over the line,” admitted O’Brien afterwards.
The second one-day international between the sides will be staged at Clontarf on Sunday. (BBC Sport)
Pakistan innings
Imran Farhat c Stirling b Cusack 9
Nasir Jamshed c Murtagh
b K O’Brien 20
Mohammad Hafeez not out 122
Asad Shafiq c Johnston b Cusack 84
Misbah-ul-Haq* run out (Porterfield) 0
Kamran Akmal† b K O’Brien 13 Shoaib Malik not out 1
Extras: (b 2, lb 2, w 13) 17
Total: (5 wkts, 47 overs) 266
Fall of wickets: 0-27*, 1-33, 2-221, 3-231, 4-231, 5-261
Bowling: D Johnston 10-253-0, T Murtagh 9-0-40-0, A Cusack 8-0-50-2, K O’Brien
5-0-43-2, G Dockrell 10-045-0, P Stirling 5-0-31-0
Ireland innings
W Porterfield* c Asad Shafiq
b Mohammad Hafeez 19
P Stirling c sub (Umar Amin)
b Mohammad Irfan 103
E Joyce b Mohammad Hafeez 32
K O’Brien not out 84
G Wilson† b Junaid Khan 11
N O’Brien c Mohammad Irfan
b Junaid Khan 4
D Johnston not out 7
Extras: (lb 8, w 7) 15
Total: (5 wkts, 47 overs) 275
Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-158, 3-171, 4-230, 5-240
Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 100-57-1, Junaid Khan 9-1-54-2, Ehsan Adil 3-0-17-0, Mohammad Hafeez 9-0-34-2, Shoaib Malik 6-0-34-0, Saeed Ajmal 10-0-71-0
Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf has been withdrawn by the ICC from officiating in the upcoming Champions Trophy in England following media reports that indicated he was under investigation by Mumbai Police.
“In the wake of reports that the Mumbai Police are conducting an investigation into Asad Rauf’s activities, we feel that it is in Asad’s best interests as well as those of the sport and the event itself, that he is withdrawn from participating in the ICC Champions Trophy,” Dave Richardson, the ICC chief executive, said in a statement on Thursday.
The ICC did not mention what the Mumbai Police were reportedly investigating Rauf for, and said it had no further comment to make. Rauf has been in India, officiating in the IPL, and so the PCB said it had “no role to play” and “nothing to do” with the development.
“He [Rauf] is an ICC umpire and was officiating in an Indian event with the consent and approval of the
Asad Rauf
ICC, and whatever has happened it’s on Indian soil,” the PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf said. “We were only informed of his withdrawal by the ICC. We have no clue about what has happened and we have no control.
“In our next board meeting we are going to formulate a code for umpires and anyone found violating the code will be punished. So if BCCI wants our support we are happy to extend our help to them.” (Cricinfo)
After emerging as winners and runners-up of their respective zones, eight teams from four jurisdictions will start on even grounds tonight when the national Guinness Greatest of the Streets championship opens at Demerara Park (Banks DIH Parking Lot).
The eight teamsSilver Bullets and Silent Assassins of Linden, Leopold Street and Back Circle of Georgetown, Plaisance and Victoria Church Yard representing East Coast Demerara and Millennium and Hard Core of Bartica – are vying to become the new national champions of street football.
Aside from that, the winning team will become Guyana’s representative at the second annual
Guinness Street Challenge scheduled for June 2123 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The tournament, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited through its Guinness brand, will bring together the winners and runnersup of the four areas with Leopold Street being the winner of the Georgetown zone, Plaisance the top team on the East Coast, Silver Bullets the Linden champions and Millennium the winners in Bartica.
The first two rounds will be played this evening and will feature Silver Bullets against Hard Core followed by Leopold Street coming up against Victoria Church Yard; Silent Assassins will do battle with Plaisance, while Back Circle will square off with Millennium.
The second round will bring together Silver Bullets and Victoria Church Yard, Silent Assassins versus Millennium, Leopold Street against Hard Core and Back Circle playing Plaisance. Kickoff is at 19:30 hours.
The third round will be played on Saturday, while the semi-finals and final will be played off on Monday evening, a public holiday.
Apart from being Guyana’s representative at next month’s Caribbean tournament, the winner will receive $400,000. The runner-up will collect $250,000, third place $150,000 and fourth $75,000.
Guyana hosted the inaugural Caribbean Guinness Challenge last year at the National Park.
Amateur boxers will have to wait another week before they get into action after the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) shifted the national Intermediate championship to May month-end.
The event was originally billed for this weekend, but the GBA opted against going ahead with plans since it would have clashed with the independence flag-raising ceremony on Saturday night.
The GBA is of the opinion that an event of such national importance should be given due recognition, hence the postponement of the championship to May 31 and June 1.
However, according to technical director of the association, Terrence Poole, the GBA will go ahead with its planned fundraising bar-b-que on Saturday at
the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, from 13:00h.
All proceeds from that event will go towards financing the eight-member national team to the Cardova Cardin tournament from June 4-11, and the Roberto Balado competition from
June 19-25 in Cuba. Poole also informed that the agenda for the national intermediate championship will remain the same, despite the shift in date.
Approximately 60 boxers from various gyms across the country will do battle at the two-day event, which will start at 18:00h each day at the National Gymnasium.
Participating boxers are expected from gyms such as Harpy Eagles, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Essequibo, Republican, Guyana Defence Force, Young Achievers, Pocket Rocket and Rose Hall Jammers among others.
Among the categories to be contested are junior flyweight, flyweight, bantamweight, lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight and super heavyweight.
Corporate support continues to stream in for this weekend’s Independence T20 Cup, with Courts (Guyana) Inc being the latest entity to partner with the organisers.
The four-team event is billed for Sunday at the Albion Sports Complex, with action set to bowl off at 10:00h.
At a handing over ceremony at Courts’ New Amsterdam, Berbice, Branch Manager Stanley McKenzie presented its contribution to chairman of the organising committee of the tournament, Anil Beharry. McKenzie said that the company is seriously interested in the development of sport in Berbice and will try to work with all NGO’s and other stakeholders to promote same.
He said that he was aware of the success of the first edition of the Independence
Cup and was anxious to come on board for the tournament. McKenzie highlighted that one of the main reasons he was pleased to be associated with the event is that all the proceeds will go towards charity.
Beharry welcomed Courts on board, promising that the one-day activity will be conducted in the most professional and transparent manner.
Proceeds from the event will go towards assisting with the development of sports in the region. First division clubs, Albion and Bermine, two schools and orphanages are to benefit.
Consideration will also be given to support a young talent in Berbice in the field of culture. Part of the proceeds will also go towards the rehabilitation of the commentary booth at the Albion Sports Complex.
The balance will be shared equally by the two organisations to fulfil their social obligations and community work under the “Power to Change Programme”.
Meanwhile, the draw for Sunday’s matches was done recently and will see Universal DVD Berbice Titans playing Karibee Rice Tigers from 10:00h and BK International East Coast Jaguars against Georgetown Lions from 13.30h.
The winners will clash in the grand final under lights from 18:30h. The organisers also noted that no coolers will be allowed into the venue, irrespective of size. Admission to the venue is $500 for adults, while children under-12 will be admitted free. Popular singer Bunty Singh with his one man band will provide entertainment beyond the boundary.
Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets, Ewart Sampson, recently handed over a donation to General Secretary, Professor Hector Edwards, and President of the Guyana Olympic Association KA Juman Yassin in aid of its fundraising event.
The donation of a 42” LG television was made and will
be used as the first prize in a raffle scheduled to be drawn this weekend.
The Guyana Olympic Association is currently raising funds which will be used to assist in the establishment of their Liliendaal location. Juman Yassin expressed his appreciation for the largesse extended to the association by Gizmos and Gadgets.
The Guyana Hockey Board will stage the annual Indoor Bryden’s Super Classic tournament from Monday to June 2 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. All the games will be of 40 minutes duration and will see teams battling in the Ladies and Men’s first and second divisions.
In the female category, GCC Spice, GCC Tigers, Hikers Divas and Revelation will square off, while in the men’s first division, Hikers, Old Fort, Cadets and GCC are the contenders for the title.
The men’s second division competition will feature All
Greys, Faded Glory, GCC, Hikers, Old Fort and Saints.
Thirty-four 34 games will be played during five playing days, 16 in the men’s second division and nine each in the men’s first division and the ladies’ category.
All rules of the world governing body with respect to indoor hockey will apply during the tournament.
In all the categories, the preliminary rounds will be played on a round-robin basis after which the teams will contest the semi-finals.
However, in the men’s second division competition, the two top teams from the preliminaries will automati-
cally qualify for the final. Should the teams be tied on points at the end of the preliminary round, goal difference will be used to determine the teams that will progress. The defending champions are Hikers in the men’s first division, GCC in the men’s second division and Flora GCC Tigers in the ladies category.
In what were closely contested finals last year, Hikers edged GCC 2-1 in the first division, GCC rebounded to beat Hikers 4-3 in the second division and Flora GCC Tigers got the better of GCC Spartans 3-2 in the ladies’ division.
BThis donation came at a time when Gizmos and Gadgets is about to launch one of their newest departments, Fitness Factory, which will cater for all sporting activities and games, both indoor and outdoor.
Fitness Factory will house gym and sporting equipment, supplements and sporting gear and accessories for a wide range of games.
utler House lived up to their billing as pretournament favourites by edging a determined Etheridge side in the final of the St Stanislaus College inter-house hockey competition on Monday.
The final started with both teams playing tentatively before Etheridge’s striking partnership of Shemuel King and Marcia Persaud started to pressure Butler’s defence resulting in several close calls.
At half-time, the game was still scoreless and despite the absence of
their star defender Shani Naughton due to injury, Etheridge’s defensive duo of Nichola Nervas and Ayeisha Boodie held their own.
With time winding down in the second half and both teams pushing for the win it was Butler’s Ato Greene who broke the deadlock to give his team the slim lead.
Greene then pushed his side further ahead, with a clinical finish after a solo counter-attack down the right side. Etheridge never gave up hope and were rewarded for their resil-
ience when Nervas blocked a shot in front of his goal, then raced the length of the court to bring his team within one.
Despite some desperate attacking by Etheridge in the dying seconds the Butler defence held firm to spark wild celebrations at the end of full time. Earlier, Weld defeated Galton 2-0 in the third place playoff, thanks to goals from captain Hilton Chester and Shenay Stewart.
The three top teams were presented with medals, while the champions also received a trophy.
– plans in train to make event better
By TreisTon Joseph
The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), in conjunction with the Sport Ministry and the National Sports Commission (NSC), will be looking to upgrade the prestige of the Independence Day half-marathon scheduled for May 26 from 05:30h.
The event will start from Jerrick’s Funeral Home, Paradise, East Coast Demerara.
After the resuscitation of the event last year, Vice President of the AAG Gavin Hope on Thursday at a press conference held at the ministry’s head office on Main Street revealed the event will only be better this year, revealing that over 75 competitors have registered for the event.
“This is the first year that the AAG has collaborated with the Ministry of Sport and the NSC for this event because we found it necessary to get on board for the development of this particular event.
“We have in excess of 75 participants registered and we expect this number to go up, we urge everyone to come out…there is a lot of noise about the event on the East Coast so we urge persons to come out and sup-
port the event,” Hope stated at the press conference.
He continued, “We have all the necessary officials to run the event smoothly and there should be no concerns about time because we are using an official clock so we believe the timing will be on point. Everyone that knows me knows that things only get bigger and better and we are looking forward to an improved meet this year.
Director of Sport, Neil Kumar was happy that the event was resuscitated, issuing that the half marathon can take the country to new heights.
“I really appreciate working with Gavin Hope, I look forward to the race and I would like to say that while sports minister is not the brain child of the event he is the man behind the resuscitation of it.
“It will be a signature event between the NSC, ministry [sport] and the AAG and I think the half marathon will take us far,” Kumar posited.
Permanent Secretary within the ministry, Alfred King, indicated that while the event can attract tourists to the nation once it reaches an international level, he wants to see the event catapult to prominence.
“We have a lot to celebrate in the field of sport but I don’t want to see this event just as a celebration but as a coming together of a nation so we can look back and be proud of our achievements because it as sports tourism and once organised in a proper way it can feature on the national association’s calendar.”
King added: “to become an international marathon and possibly it can help us celebrate our 47th Independence anniversary so we want it to grow and grow fast…we also want to see other association participating in it, to use it as an opportunity to enjoy a good day of physical activity so that people will want to call for it more than one a year,” King stated during his remarks at the press conference.
Meanwhile, with King stating the plan to have the event as part of Guyana’s 47th Independence celebration, Hope went on record saying that the AAG will do everything in its power to ensure it is a success.
On the other hand, transportation to the starting point for the event will leave the ministry 04:30h and all competitors are asked to assemble by 04:00h to ensure a timely start.
MIAMI – It could have been the perfect matchup to cap an unforgettable game.
LeBron James driving to the rim to face Roy Hibbert, one play to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Alas, Hibbert was on the bench for the deciding moment. And James made Miami’s game-winner seem way too easy.
James blew past Paul George and made a layup as time expired, and the Heat found a way to outlast the Indiana Pacers 103-102 in a back-and-forth Game 1 of the East title series Wednesday night. There were 18 ties and 17 lead changes, two coming in the final 2.2 seconds, the last on a play that had Hibbert shaking his head in disbelief at his seat 75 feet away from where James beat both the clock and the Pacers in one swoop. ‘’Once I got the ball,’’ James said, ‘’I was the only option.’’
He finished with his ninth career postseason triple-double – 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists –which might have been easily overlooked on this night.
The Heat looked like they had the game won in regulation, before George connected on a tying 3-pointer from 32 feet away with 0.7 seconds left to extend the game. And then the Pacers looked like they had stolen Game 1 when George made three free throws for a onepoint lead with 2.2 ticks left in overtime.
They simply left James too much time. He caught the inbounds pass from Shane Battier, benefitted from George overplaying him to his left side – James
The University of Guyana (UG) Track and Field Club’s trip to Jamaica for the University of the West Indies (UWI) Games is off due to financial constraints, according to Sport Coordinator of the institution Lavern Fraser.
The Games are slated for Saturday. The team that comprised of seven members, along with two officials, received the news of the trip being off on Wednesday when they were scheduled to leave.
“Well it came down to funds basically, the flight was confirmed from Georgetown to Trinidad where we had to transit be-
fore leaving to Jamaica but all members were not accounted for from Trinidad to Jamaica,” Fraser told Guyana Times Sport.
The seven member team consisted of: ALBA Games 800 metre silver medalist Wayne Harlequin, under-23 200 metres champion Elton Bollers, Trinidad-based and former schools’ national 400 metre champion Philip Drayton, former schools’ national 100 and 200 metre under-20 champion Kenneth Semple, 2012 Inter-Guiana Games 800 metre silver medalist Ornesto Thomas, former under-16 200 and 400 metres champion Carlwyn Collins and sprinter Owen Adonis. The coach was Anson Ambrose while Fraser would have been the manager.
is left-handed, just plays right-hand dominant –drove and released the ball with about four-tenths of a second remaining. By the time the shot dropped softly through the net, the clock showed zeroes.
‘’He continues to amaze,’’ Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. The Pacers had a slightly different perspective. ‘’It was gut-wrenching,’’ Hibbert said.
So, too, was the decision that Pacers coach Frank Vogel had to make before the final play. Vogel calls James the best offensive player in the game. He also calls Hibbert the best rim protector in the game. He likely wouldn’t face much argument on either point.
Wade finished with 19 points for the Heat, who got 17 from Bosh and 16 from Chris Andersen – who was 7 for 7 from the field, and 2 for 2 from the line off the Miami bench. Andersen is now shooting a ridiculous 29 for 35 in these playoffs, or 83 per cent.
George scored 27 points for the Pacers, who got 26 from David West and 19 from Hibbert. (Yahoo! Sport)
